Madlanga Commission: Ekurhuleni HR HOD Linda Gxasheka Suspended
- Ekurhuleni HR head Linda Gxasheka has been placed on precautionary suspension
- She was implicated in the Madlanga Commission for allegedly benefiting from loyalty to City Manager Imogen Mashazi
- Xolani Nciza testified that she received large salary increases for helping protect suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi
Source: Twitter
Ekurhuleni’s Head of Human Resources, Linda Gxasheka, has allegedly been placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect, according to reports by eNCA.
Gxasheka was implicated in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry by HR Head Xolani Nciza, who testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry from 11 to 13 November 2025. Nciza testified that Gxasheka had financially benefited in return for her loyalty to City Manager Imogen Mashazi.
"Nciza testified that Gxasheka, along with Advocate Kemi Behari, supported Mashazi’s directive to shield EMPD Acting Chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission.
Nciza implicated Gxasheka during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission
During his appearance before the Madlanga Commission, Nciza testified that Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager Imogen Mashazi had abused her authority to protect the suspended Acting Deputy EMPD Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi."
He told commissioners that Mashazi instructed him to “leave him alone”.
"Nciza further alleged that Linda Gxasheka, Head of HR, and Kemi Behari, Head of Legal Services, received salary increases of R600,000 each as a 'token of appreciation' for complying with Mashazi’s instructions.
He recalled Mashazi saying, “You have to ensure that my person is not touched. Here is the increase.”
Ekurhuleni suspended its legal head after Madlanga Commission testimony
The City of Ekurhuleni has suspended its head of legal services, Kemi Behari, following testimony presented by divisional head of employee relations Xolani Nciza at the Madlanga Commission. Behari is accused of failing to take action against suspended EMPD Deputy Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, who was allegedly involved in a fraudulent contract with suspected crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Mkhwanazi was also accused of facilitating the registration of Matlala’s vehicles under the EMPD and having them fitted with blue lights.
Mkhwanazi admitted to receiving money from Matlala
Source: Getty Images
Suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi admitted on 4 December 2025 that he received money from alleged crime boss Vusimuzi Matlala. Mkhwanazi testified before the commission to address multiple allegations of corruption.
He conceded that he and Matlala were close and regularly shared meals, including breakfasts and lunches. When questioned further, Mkhwanazi acknowledged receiving money from Matlala but insisted that Matlala also received money from him, claiming the exchanges were mutual.
2 Briefly News articles on the Madlanga Commission
In a related report, Briefly News stated that Mkhwanazi claimed his signature was forged on a fraudulent letter linked to a fake memorandum of understanding between the City of Ekurhuleni and companies owned by Matlala.
During his testimony, Mkhwanazi said the letter,which Matlala allegedly used to legitimise seven of his vehicles by suggesting a working relationship with the EMPD,contained a forged signature. He explained that such a letter would imply the vehicles were operating in partnership with the EMPD but maintained that it did not authorise them to be fitted with blue lights
Mkhwanazi also refused a criminal check
Another report from Briefly News revealed that Mkhwanazi refused to undergo a mandatory fingerprint-based criminal check required for all police officials in January 2022.
Mkhwanazi told the commission on 3 December 2025 that he declined the criminal check because he believed the outsourced service provider conducting the vetting process was being favoured by certain individuals.
Retired Deputy Chief of Police Revo Spies testified that Mkhwanazi was never disciplined for refusing the check because he was allegedly protected by City Manager Imogen Mashazi.
Source: Briefly News
