Khemraj Behari Arrested as Molefe Fani Faces Scrutiny in Ekurhuleni Corruption Probe

Advocate Khemraj “Kemi” Behari, the suspended head of legal services for the City of Ekurhuleni, has been arrested as investigations linked to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continue to uncover allegations of corruption and misconduct within government institutions.

Behari was arrested on Wednesday by the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team, operating under the South African Police Service (SAPS). Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific charges against him.

Questions Over Handling of Julius Mkhwanazi Case

Behari appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in February, where evidence emerged that he allegedly failed to act against suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi in 2023.

Mkhwanazi had been placed on a three-month precautionary suspension over allegations that he signed two memoranda with companies linked to alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, reportedly in violation of municipal regulations.

He also faced accusations of gross misconduct for allegedly facilitating the donation of vehicles from Matlala-linked companies to the City of Ekurhuleni and having the vehicles fitted with blue lights.

During the commission’s proceedings, it emerged that Mkhwanazi’s suspension was nearing its end, prompting Colonel Hennie Erasmus, head of Internal Affairs, to seek legal advice from Behari on extending the suspension.

Instead, Behari reportedly advised Erasmus to obtain statements from individuals familiar with the matter, including investigative journalist Jeff Wicks, who first exposed the allegations involving the donated vehicles.

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

City Acknowledges Arrest

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.

Meanwhile, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team was carrying out an ongoing operation and that authorities would not provide further details until it had been concluded.

National Treasury Probes Molefe Fani

In a related development, the National Treasury has launched an investigation into suspended Lieutenant-General Molefe Fani, a former Treasury employee and former SAPS divisional commissioner for Supply Chain Management.

The inquiry follows testimony before the commission alleging that Fani was involved in improper conduct concerning a government tender.

Evidence presented against senior Crime Intelligence officer Major-General Feroz Khan indicated that Khan communicated with Fani while the latter was serving as a senior procurement officer at the National Treasury.

According to testimony and WhatsApp messages shown before the commission, Khan allegedly sought information about a tender during the adjudication process before the contract had been awarded.

Khan, who remains in hospital after surviving a suspected assassination attempt last month, was absent from the commission proceedings.

Focus Turns to Matlala Testimony

Fani is currently suspended over his alleged role in awarding the multimillion-rand Medicare24 Tshwane tender to a company owned by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Matlala is expected to appear before the commission next Wednesday after his testimony was postponed earlier this week.

The latest developments have intensified scrutiny over allegations of corruption, procurement irregularities and abuse of power within several state institutions, with investigators continuing to examine the extent of the alleged wrongdoing.