Former Ekurhuleni city manager Imogen Mashazi was stopped by SAPS officers after attempting to hand a jacket to someone seated in the public gallery during proceedings at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
NOWinSA captured the courtroom exchange on video as Mashazi appeared alongside three co-accused following their arrest by the special police task team investigating criminal referrals from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
What the courtroom video shows
Watch NOWinSA’s exclusive courtroom video footage below, then continue reading for the full context.
The footage shows Mashazi removing her jacket before reaching towards the public gallery as the court adjourns.
Two nearby SAPS offices immediately intervene and order her back, prompting Mashazi to pull the jacket away.
Moments later, as movement increases around the courtroom, Mashazi makes a second attempt and hands the jacket to a woman from the public gallery as officers again reprimand her.
Officers then escort the accused back to the holding cells.
Why SAPS intervened
Mashazi appeared in court while still in police custody pending her bail application.
Accused persons who have not been released on bail remain under the supervision of SAPS officials inside the courtroom.
SAPS officers control movement and the exchange of items between the dock and members of the public to maintain courtroom security and order.
Section 178(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 governs the custody of accused persons who have not been granted bail.
The legislation forms part of the legal framework that regulates how accused persons are managed while appearing in court.
Corruption case before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court
Mashazi appeared alongside suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, suspended legal head Kemi Behari, and suspended human resources head Linda Gxasheka.
The State alleges the four played roles in a scheme involving about R600,000 to halt internal disciplinary proceedings against Mkhwanazi. They face charges including fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
Later on Thursday, Mkhwanazi and Behari each secured bail of R50,000. Mashazi and Gxasheka remained in custody after the court postponed their bail applications to Friday.
How the Madlanga Commission recommendations let to more arrests
Mashazi’s court appearance marks another development flowing from the implementation of the Madlanga Commission recommendations.
The commission’s findings have already led to criminal cases involving several senior police officials. Recent developments include charges against National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and the arrest of alleged tender kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala over the R360 million SAPS healthcare tender investigation.
Mkhwanazi also faces separate corruption case
Thursday’s proceedings marked Mkhwanazi’s second bail application in separate criminal matters.
He was first arrested in April alongside former Ekurhuleni municipal manager Kagiso Lerutla.
Both men face corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice charges after securing R30,000 bail in that matter. Their case returns to court on July 13.
Read more about the earlier Ekurhuleni corruption arrests.
