{
  "id": 3819010,
  "title": "RED FLAGS: Joburg ignores warnings and appoints ‘potential security risk’ to head Public Safety Department",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/red-flags-joburg-ignores-warnings-and-appoints-potential-security",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T21:22:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-08-27-joburg-ignores-warnings-and-appoints-potential-security-risk-to-head-public-safety-department/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Joburg has appointed Lesiba Malotana, a potential security risk, as head of the Public Safety Department, despite warnings that he should be investigated. Malotana, former Gauteng Health boss, faced suspension in October last year after being classified as \"high risk\" by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and recommended for forensic investigation. The City of Johannesburg approved his appointment during a council meeting, despite objections from the DA and other political parties. The DA alleges Malotana's appointment is due to the ANC, EFF, Patriotic Alliance, and Al Jama-ah coalition's support. Malotana's appointment is subject to various conditions, including six-month probation and continuous disclosure of any developments that could affect his suitability for the position.",
  "summary": "A lifestyle audit conducted by the SIU classified former Gauteng Health boss Lesiba Malotana as ‘high risk’ and reported that he should be forensically investigated. Despite this, the City of Johannesburg has appointed him to head its Public Safety Department.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lesiba Malotana appointed head of Public Safety Department",
    "Malotana classified as high risk by Special Investigating Unit",
    "Appointment approved by City of Johannesburg council"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}