Former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi and suspended human resources head Linda Gxasheka have been released on bail after spending two nights in custody. The Germiston Magistrate’s Court granted each accused bail of R50,000 on Friday after the State withdrew its opposition. Both women are facing charges linked to the high-profile Ekurhuleni “blue lights” investigation.
Their release comes a day after their co-accused, suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and suspended head of legal services Kemi Behari, were also granted bail of R50,000 each.
Imogen Mashazi And Linda Gxasheka Granted Bail In Ekurhuleni Corruption Case
The State told the court it was no longer opposing bail after investigators successfully verified the residential addresses of both accused.
Mashazi and Gxasheka’s bail applications had been postponed on Thursday after prosecutors raised concerns over the number of properties allegedly linked to them. Investigators told the court that several addresses associated with the pair still required verification before bail could be considered.
According to the State, Mashazi was linked to properties in Meyersdal, Bedfordview, Waterfall, Sunward Park, a Brakpan estate and Mpumalanga. Gxasheka was also allegedly connected to multiple properties in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.
However, Mashazi’s lawyer, Johan Eksteen, challenged those claims, arguing that several of the properties identified by investigators did not belong to his client.
Blue Lights Allegations At Centre Of Ekurhuleni Case
The criminal case stems from the so-called “blue lights” saga, which has also featured prominently before the Madlanga Commission.
The State alleges that Mashazi and other senior Ekurhuleni officials protected suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi from disciplinary action after he allegedly fitted police blue lights to luxury vehicles belonging to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
[Imogen Mashazi And Kemi Behari Among Four Ekurhuleni Officials To Appear In Court After Madlanga Commission Arrests]
Prosecutors further allege that Mashazi, Behari and Gxasheka acted together to shield Mkhwanazi from disciplinary proceedings. The State also claims Behari and Gxasheka received salary increases that were never approved by council in exchange for their alleged role.
According to the prosecution, the municipality paid Behari and Gxasheka a combined R2.66 million in unlawful salary increases between the 2023/24 and 2025/26 financial years.
Mashazi And Behari Continue To Deny Allegations
Mashazi has consistently denied interfering in disciplinary proceedings involving Mkhwanazi. While testifying before the Madlanga Commission in December last year, she rejected claims that she had attempted to block the inquiry.
“I was far from this process,” she said at the time.
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Behari has also denied wrongdoing, dismissing allegations that he accepted a bribe as false and without foundation.
The four accused remain out on bail and are expected to return to court as the fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice case continues.
