Ekurhuleni suspends two department heads in governance crackdown

Suspensions, court smackdowns, and police vetting just shook Ekurhuleni’s top brass, and the message is simple: clean house or get sidelined.

Top officials suspended in Ekurhuleni

• City of Ekurhuleni froze Adv. Kemi Behari and Ms. Linda Qasheka.
• Executive Mayor Ald Nkosindiphile Xhakaza confirmed the move on 16 February 2026.
• Charge sheets landed, and both head to the Disciplinary Committee.
• Julius Mkhwanazi faces an added charge before the same panel.

High Court backs City stance

• Moloko Monyepao tried blocking internal hearings and failed.
• The High Court tossed his urgent bid with costs.
• This marked his fourth failed courtroom attempt.
• Judgment affirmed the City’s authority over its processes.

EMPD officers face vetting drive

• Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department officers are undergoing background screening.
• Administration says checks aim to tighten ethics.
• Xhakaza framed it as rebuilding public confidence.
• Process forms part of broader governance reset.

Mayor ties action to past turmoil

• Ald Nkosindiphile Xhakaza referenced his April 2024 State of the City Address.
• He labeled the years 2021 to 2024 as barren.
• Since taking office, probes into corruption have ramped up.
• Leadership says residents deserve stable, ethical administration.