Imogen Mashazi – MDNtv

Questions Over Former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi’s R3.5 Million London Trip

MDN tv — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:38:07 +0000

Fresh questions have surfaced over former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi’s 2022 trip to London, after details emerged suggesting the luxury travel bill reached about R3.5 million. The figures have landed like a spark in dry grass, reigniting a tense public conversation about accountability, transparency, and the optics of high-end spending linked to public figures.

According to an investigation, the trip reportedly featured a private jet, luxury accommodation, and costly outings in England’s capital. The report also claims Mashazi travelled with her husband and two other people, adding to the scrutiny around what the trip involved and how it was financed.

The controversy has not only been about the price tag itself, but about what it represents to many residents. In a country where municipalities routinely face pressure over service delivery, any headline involving millions spent on luxury travel is bound to trigger frustration, disbelief, and anger.

What the investigation revealed

A major portion of the reported cost was tied to private aviation. The private jet alone was said to have cost roughly R2.5 million, with additional expenses listed for fuel, sustaining the cabin crew, crew costs, catering, passenger tax, and parking fees.

The breakdown of costs has drawn particular attention because it paints a picture of a trip built around comfort and exclusivity. For many observers, the detail is what makes it sting. It is not just “a trip to London.” It is a trip that, on paper, reads like a luxury package with every premium option selected.

Luxury accommodation under the spotlight

The investigation also pointed to the group staying at the Corinthia Hotel in London, where room rates can range from tens of thousands of rands per night. That detail has amplified public reaction, especially when paired with the jet costs and other expenses.

For critics, the question is simple and blunt: how does a trip of this scale align with the expectations placed on senior public officials, even if the money did not come from municipal coffers? For supporters, the focus shifts to fairness and proof, arguing that private travel should not automatically become a scandal without clear evidence of wrongdoing.

Salary comparison fuels public outrage

The reported total cost of the trip has raised eyebrows because it is said to have exceeded Mashazi’s annual salary at the time, which was about R3.1 million.

That comparison has become a lightning rod. Even without a direct claim of public funds being used, many people see the numbers and feel a familiar unease. They wonder who could afford it, why it happened, and whether the full story has been told.

Mashazi denies public money was used

Mashazi has firmly denied that public money paid for the trip. She has described it as a private social engagement and said the people who funded it had no business ties with the City of Ekurhuleni.

She has also pushed back against the coverage, saying she feels targeted and unfairly portrayed. In her view, the reporting is not simply scrutiny, but an attempt to damage her reputation.

Why the conversation will not die down

Despite her explanation, the public debate has continued, shaped by the broader scrutiny Mashazi has faced over her leadership at the municipality and her appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

For now, the London trip remains a flashpoint, not only because of its luxury details, but because it taps into a deeper public fatigue. People are asking for clarity, not spin. They want straight answers about who paid, why the spending was so high, and what accountability looks like when public trust is already under strain.

The post Questions Over Former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi’s R3.5 Million London Trip appeared first on MDNtv.

Suspended Head of Legal and Risk Services for the City of Ekurhuleni Advocate Kemi Behari Takes A Stand At Madlanga Commission

MDN tv — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:44:32 +0000

Suspended Head of Legal and Risk Services for the City of Ekurhuleni Advocate Kemi Behari who was fingered as the protector of the suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is taking a stand at the Madlanga Commission.

Behari was placed on precautionary suspension with full pay following testimony that linked him to the alleged obstruction of disciplinary processes within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).

The primary allegation against Behari is that he played a key role in preventing disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi, who was repeatedly linked to alleged misconduct, including the controversial authorisation of blue lights for private security vehicles and other irregularities.

Former head of employee relations Xolani Nciza, Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa all told the commission that Behari and his cronies which include Former City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, Head of Human Resources Linda Gxasheka were blocking any disciplinary measures concerning Mkhwanazi.

According to Mapiyeye, this group frustrated internal accountability processes and, instead, he himself became the subject of repeated suspensions.

He further testified that the pressure escalated to the point where he faced a sexual harassment charge in November 2024, which he claims was used to remove him from office while Mkhwanazi remained protected.

Spies delivered some of the commission’s most explosive testimony, describing parts of the EMPD as operating like a “criminal enterprise.”

He told the commission that senior municipal officials, including those within legal services, shielded certain officers from accountability.

Spies named Behari as part of a network that allegedly ensured Mkhwanazi and others were insulated from investigation and discipline, despite serious allegations being raised internally.

Nciza further implicated Behari, testifying that all disciplinary investigations involving Mkhwanazi were required to pass through Behari for approval.

Nciza said this effectively gave Behari control over whether investigations proceeded, stalled, or stopped entirely.

He also testified that during this period, both Behari and HR head Linda Gxasheka received significant salary increases, which he suggested raised serious questions about incentives and loyalty within the system.

Thepa did not directly accuse Behari, but her testimony provided important context about the internal environment at EMPD.

Thepa told the commission that she was subjected to smear attempts after becoming involved in investigations linked to the Cat Matlala blue light scandal.

Thepa told the commission that at some stage her life was in danger and even received death threaths that she will be burnt alive after she began questioning the Cat Matlala’s Cat VIP contract.

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The post Suspended Head of Legal and Risk Services for the City of Ekurhuleni Advocate Kemi Behari Takes A Stand At Madlanga Commission appeared first on MDNtv.

Madlanga Commission Of Inquiry | 02 December 2025

MDNtv — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:15:55 +0000

The Madlanga Commission will hear testimony from former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi. Her name has been linked to suspended acting EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, who was filmed saying he would “take a bullet” for her. This follows his controversial promotion to deputy police chief despite facing serious misconduct allegations.

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Madlanga Commission Of Inquiry | 01 December 20025

MDNtv — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:54:39 +0000