Dismissed Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Municipal Manager Kagiso Lerutla are set to return to the Boksburg Regional Court on Tuesday. The pair faces charges including fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice in connection with a 2019 incident. Their case has been ongoing, with Lerutla's legal team previously informing the court that representations would be made to the Director of Public Prosecutions to have the charges against him withdrawn.
The status of the case against Lerutla is expected to be clarified during the upcoming court appearance. Lerutla and Mkhwanazi allegedly colluded to have another person impersonate Lerutla in court after he was arrested for speeding. Prosecutors claim Lerutla paid R400,000 to Mkhwanazi and the alleged impersonator to appear in court on his behalf in an attempt to distance himself from the case.
The State is also expected to clarify whether it will provide the affidavit used to obtain the arrest warrant in the matter. Additionally, the State will file an amended charge sheet in the case. Mkhwanazi, who is currently in custody, was arrested with a large quantity of ammunition, which he claims was lawfully given to him before his suspension last year.
Mkhwanazi has also been linked to other serious allegations arising from evidence before the Madlanga Commission, including the alleged murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense. Lerutla, on the other hand, has been linked to a separate incident in which a motorist allegedly died after crashing into their vehicle. Prosecutors allege he paid someone to dispose of the body, but he has not been charged in this case.
The case against Lerutla and Mkhwanazi has been ongoing since their initial appearance in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court on April 20, 2026. The pair's defense team has been awaiting information from the State, which has caused delays in the trial. The upcoming court appearance is expected to provide clarity on the status of the case and the next steps in the trial.
Lerutla's legal team has been seeking to have the charges against him withdrawn. The Director of Public Prosecutions will reportedly consider their representations. If the charges against Lerutla are withdrawn, it could significantly impact the case against Mkhwanazi, who is currently facing multiple charges.
The case against Julius Mkhwanazi and Kagiso Lerutla is one of several high-profile cases in South Africa involving allegations of corruption and fraud. The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for the country's efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability among public officials.
Key points
- The case against Lerutla and Mkhwanazi involves allegations of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice in connection with a 2019 incident.
- Lerutla and Mkhwanazi allegedly colluded to have another person impersonate Lerutla in court after he was arrested for speeding.
- The State is expected to file an amended charge sheet and clarify whether it will provide the affidavit used to obtain the arrest warrant in the matter.
