The City of Ekurhuleni has placed its legal head, Advocate Kemi Behari (pictured), on suspension with full pay.

The City of Ekurhuleni has placed its legal head, Advocate Kemi Behari, on suspension with full pay after he was accused at the Madlanga Commission of protecting controversial Ekurhuleni police chief, Julius Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi, who is appearing at the commission on Wednesday, is alleged to be a key member of Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s criminal network.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the city said the decision to suspend Behari on full pay stems from a council resolution on 18 November.

City Manager Kagiso Lerutla made the decision after he gave Behari, the head of legal and risk, an opportunity to make written representations.

“The City emphasises that this is not a finding of guilt, nor does it constitute disciplinary action,” it said.

“It is an interim measure intended to ensure the integrity of ongoing internal processes, protect the interests of the municipality, and uphold principles of good governance.”

When News24 contacted the City spokespeople for further details, they refused to comment and sent a statement instead.

“No further details will be provided at this stage, as the matter is now the subject of an internal investigation,” the statement read.

The Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union welcomed the precautionary suspension, saying it will “afford him reasonable time to focus on the allegations levelled against him in order to clear his name from a dark cloud hanging over his head”.