In 2023 the Independent Police Investigative Directorate recommended discipline against Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official Julius Mkhwanazi over unlawful blue-light installations on vehicles linked to businessman Katiso "Cat" Matlala. Mkhwanazi was suspended. According to the state, the City's most senior executives then lifted the suspension, blocked the IPID recommendation, caused the withdrawal of a criminal case, and promoted Mkhwanazi to deputy chief in December 2023. The state further alleges that the heads of legal services and human resources each received R600,000 salary increases in the same period.
On 8 July 2026 the SAPS Commission Recommendations Task Team arrested former City Manager Imogen Mashazi, Mkhwanazi, head of legal services and risk Kemi Behari and head of HR Linda Gxasheka on fraud and corruption charges relating to abuse of office, unlawful salary adjustments and obstruction of disciplinary processes. All four were granted R50,000 bail at the Germiston Magistrate's Court on 9–10 July; Mashazi's affidavit stated: "I am innocent of what I have been accused of." The matter was postponed to 28 August 2026.
On 31 July 2026 the City of Ekurhuleni dismissed Behari, Gxasheka and a third official, Moloko Monyepao, following internal disciplinary processes. Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the move showed "our resolve to strengthen accountability and ensure that corruption has no place in Ekurhuleni." On 27 August 2026 Mkhwanazi, already in custody on a separate 2022 murder charge, was arrested again on the blue-lights matter itself. The charges are untested and all accused are presumed innocent.