By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has confirmed that city’s council has recommended the dismissal of three senior officials over fraud, corruption, and negligence.
The three officials are head of legal services Kemi Behari, HR manager Linda Gxasheka and Chief Information Officer (CIO) Moloko Monyepao.
Both Behari and Gxasheka were dismissed after being implicated at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry investigating the corruption, and malfeasance in the criminal justice.
The pair were placed on precautionary suspension since late last year, which was upgraded to a full punitive suspension.
They are primarily accused of suppressing an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report, which found acting EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi guilty of entering the City into fraudulent contracts with the underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Monyepao, was dismissed over negligence that contributed to a mysterious R2 billion revenue loss two years ago.
The R2 billion deficit was primarily due to tampering with electricity accounts, which saw households and businesses underpaying for electricity.
At the same time, some had their outstanding balances erased from the system entirely.
Xhakaza said, “Council has resolved to authorise the city manager to terminate the employment relationship between the three senior managers. This is following the finalisation of the disciplinary proceedings.”
“The report did serve in council at an in-committee meeting, and that’s the resolution that was taken,” added Xhakaza.”
Meanwhile Ekurhuleni’s recent financial tracking shows mounting creditor debt totaling R7.373 billion as of late May 2026, alongside a strong Eskom credit balance of over R5.1 billion. The official fourth-quarter performance statements are guided under the Municipal Finance Management Act via local council reviews.