The widening corruption investigation surrounding South Africa’s public sector has taken another dramatic turn following the arrest of Advocate Khemraj “Kemi” Behari, the suspended former legal head of the City of Ekurhuleni.

Behari was arrested on Wednesday by the South African Police Service’s Commission Recommendations Task Team, a specialised unit established to investigate allegations emerging from commissions of inquiry and related investigations.

The arrest comes after testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry raised questions about his handling of disciplinary action involving senior officials within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

Behari Accused of Failing to Act Against Suspended EMPD Deputy Chief

Behari previously appeared before the Madlanga Commission in February, where evidence was presented regarding his involvement in the disciplinary matter involving suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi was placed on a precautionary suspension in 2023 after allegations emerged that he had signed two memoranda with companies linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The agreements allegedly breached municipal procedures and raised concerns about the relationship between private companies and local government structures.

Mkhwanazi was also accused of gross misconduct relating to the alleged unlawful donation of vehicles by Matlala-linked companies to the City of Ekurhuleni, with claims that the vehicles were later fitted with blue lights.

Commission Heard Questions Over Disciplinary Process

During Behari’s testimony, the commission heard that Mkhwanazi’s three-month suspension was nearing its expiry date.

Colonel Hennie Erasmus, head of EMPD Internal Affairs, reportedly approached Behari for legal guidance on whether the suspension could be extended.

However, instead of recommending immediate disciplinary action, Behari allegedly advised Erasmus to obtain statements from individuals connected to the matter.

Among those suggested was investigative journalist Jeff Wicks, who had previously reported on the controversy surrounding the donated vehicles and blue lights.

The commission heard allegations that Behari failed to implement a council resolution requiring disciplinary action against Mkhwanazi.

SAPS Remains Tight-Lipped on Arrest Operation

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe confirmed that the municipality was aware of Behari’s arrest but said officials had not yet been informed of the charges.

The matter remains with SAPS investigators.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team was conducting an ongoing operation and that further details would only be released once the operation had concluded.

“With the operation currently under way, the South African Police Service will not comment on any aspect of the operation or on any matters arising from it,” Mathe said.

Molefe Fani Faces National Treasury Probe Over Procurement Allegations

While Behari’s arrest has intensified scrutiny around Ekurhuleni’s governance structures, another figure linked to the broader corruption investigation has also come under investigation.

The National Treasury has launched a probe into suspended Lieutenant-General Molefe Fani following allegations raised during the Madlanga Commission.

The inquiry follows evidence presented regarding communications between Fani and Major-General Feroz Khan, a senior Crime Intelligence official.

WhatsApp Messages Raise Questions Over Tender Process

The commission heard evidence that Khan allegedly communicated with Fani, who at the time was a senior procurement official at National Treasury, seeking information about a tender while the adjudication process was still underway.

The communication reportedly involved a procurement process before the awarding of a contract.

Khan, who remains hospitalised following a suspected assassination attempt last month, has not appeared before the commission during the latest proceedings.

Evidence presented included WhatsApp messages allegedly exchanged between Khan and other individuals.

Medicare24 Tender Investigation Continues

Fani later became SAPS divisional commissioner for Supply Chain Management.

He is currently suspended over his alleged involvement in the awarding of the controversial Medicare24 Tshwane tender, a multimillion-rand contract linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Matlala has admitted guilt in a separate criminal matter involving fraud, corruption and money laundering allegations connected to the SAPS tender.

He is expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission next week after his testimony was postponed.

Corruption Inquiry Expands as Authorities Follow Commission Findings

The latest developments highlight the growing impact of the Madlanga Commission, which has become a focal point for investigations into alleged corruption, procurement failures and abuse of public institutions.

The arrest of Behari and the investigation into Fani suggest that authorities are moving beyond testimony and beginning to act on recommendations and evidence emerging from the inquiry.

As more witnesses appear before the commission, attention is expected to remain focused on whether officials across municipal, police and government structures will face further consequences.