IDAC Chief Andrea Johnson suspends Kemi Behari amid ongoing controversies

Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) boss Andrea Johnson who is fighting for the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) position has suspended Ekurhuleni legal head Kemi Behari as her reference.

On her CV submitted for the position of NDPP, Johnson listed Behari as one of her references.

According to the submission, Johnson lists Behari as a reference. Former city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, blocked disciplinary action against controversial suspended acting police chief Julius Mkhwanazi, according to evidence heard at the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

Jabulani Mapiyeye, suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) has previously testified before the commission of inquiry into criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga

At the commission Mapiyeye said: “All my attempts to discipline Mkhwanazi were frustrated by Mashazi, Gxasheka, and Kemi Behari

“In fact, these attempts led me to be suspended on numerous occasions, culminating in disciplinary charges for alleged sexual harassment being levelled against me in November 2024.” Linda Gxasheka is the municipality’s head of Human Relations.

Last week, the municipality announced that Behari has been placed on precautionary suspension with full remuneration.

“This decision follows the resolution of the Municipal Council taken on 18 November 2025, which delegated authority to the city manager to act in terms of the Local Government: Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010,” the municipality stated.

According to the notice, in line with regulations, the city manager considered whether a basis existed to implement a  precautionary suspension.

The municipality states that Behari was afforded an opportunity to provide written representations in accordance with the regulations.

However, after careful consideration of the representations and the applicable legislative framework, the city manager resolved to institute a precautionary suspension.

“The suspension has been implemented strictly in terms of Regulation 6(1), read together with sub-regulation (4) of the Disciplinary Regulations, and is further guided by Regulation 6(6)(a) and (b) regarding the duration and conditions of precautionary suspensions for senior managers,” the municipality explained.

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za