Julius Mkhwanazi and Kagiso Lerutla enter the dock side by side during their bail proceedings at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court. Fanie Mthupha.
A week of bail proceedings, legal arguments, and public demonstrations at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court has ended with suspended EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla remaining in custody, as the court prepares to deliver its ruling on Tuesday, April 28.
The pair, facing charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice, have spent several days in detention following their weekend arrests.
Their three-day bail application saw heated arguments between the state and defence, public protests outside court, and competing arguments over whether they should be released pending trial – amid allegations of possible witness interference and broader corruption-linked investigations.
Suspended EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi and City of Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla in court. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.
The defence argued that both accused are not flight risks, will not interfere with witnesses, and should be granted bail due to family responsibilities. Mkhwanazi told the court that eight children depend on him financially, while Lerutla said continued detention would cause hardship for his dependants, including children and wife.
Counsel maintained that neither poses a danger to the public, and that Mkhwanazi intends to plead not guilty.
The state strongly opposed bail, arguing that release would not serve the interests of justice. Prosecutors cited concerns about witness interference and the integrity of ongoing investigations into alleged corruption networks and misconduct within municipal structures and law enforcement.
Tense Friday proceedings and protest action
On Friday, April 24, proceedings resumed in a packed courtroom as both sides intensified their arguments. The defence maintained the accused are responsible family men with no intention of evading trial, reiterating bail proposals of R10 000 for Mkhwanazi and R20 000 for Lerutla.
Outside court, DA members and labour union representatives staged protests calling for accountability and a firm judicial response.
Protesting workers union members.
State outlines allegations
Earlier hearings heard that the accused should remain in custody while investigations continue. Prosecutors raised concerns about possible witness interference, given the accused’s senior positions in the EMPD and municipality.
Kagiso Lerutla during proceedings at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court. Fanie Mthupha.
The state also referenced allegations that Mkhwanazi was found in possession of a large quantity of ammunition at arrest, despite his suspended status. Lerutla is further linked to allegations of offering R10,000 to a tow truck driver after a 2021 fatal N12 crash, where a culpable homicide docket later went missing from SAPS storage and is being reconstructed.
2019 court impersonation matter at heart of case
The matter stems from a reopened 2019 case in which Lerutla allegedly failed to appear in court after a speeding arrest. Investigators allege Mkhwanazi arranged for another person to impersonate him in court, allowing the matter to be diverted into a diversion programme.
The impersonator was allegedly paid R400 000, which was reportedly shared between him and Mkhwanazi.
Julius Mkhwanazi appears in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court during his bail application. Fanie Mthupha.
The case resurfaced after a tip-off to a SAPS task team, leading to the arrests. Mkhwanazi was arrested on April 18 at his home, while Lerutla was detained at OR Tambo International Airport.
Arrests spark leadership and governance concerns
The arrests have triggered political backlash, with opposition parties warning of a governance crisis in Ekurhuleni.
Suspended EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi and City of Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla in court. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.
The DA has called it a “leadership crisis,” while ActionSA has called for Lerutla’s suspension and an urgent council meeting. The Azania Ground Forces has also raised concerns over service delivery disruption.
DA members holding placards calling for an end to corruption and action against implicated officials. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.
Background
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and may widen. The police and NPA have expressed confidence in the case, saying there is sufficient evidence to proceed.
The matter forms part of a broader task team probe into alleged corruption and misconduct within Ekurhuleni municipal and law enforcement structures.
Fanie joined Boksburg Advertiser over 14 years ago – covering a wide range of issues under the sun. He rose up the ranks from mid-level to senior journalist & became a news-editor. He studied journalism at Damelin & went on to complete his Diploma in Media Practices course at BMH – focusing on print and online media. He loves acting as the eyes and ears of the public.
