WATCH: Defence criticises delays in Ekurhuleni city manager corruption case
The city's disciplinary proceedings against the accused officials are continuing independently of the criminal case, with Mkhwanazi due at a hearing today.
Suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla during their appearance in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court.
The legal team representing Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla has expressed frustration over further delays in his corruption case, arguing that repeated postponements are unfair to their client.
Lerutla and his co-accused, suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi, who are both out on R30 000 bail, appeared briefly in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on July 13 in connection with charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
The matter was postponed to August 21 after the State requested additional time to respond to the defence’s request for further particulars relating to the charges.
The case had previously been postponed to allow prosecutors time to prepare a response to the defence’s request for additional information.
Updating the court, the State said it had not yet completed its response.
“To that end, we engaged with the defence and agreed on another date to finalise our response. We have agreed that the matter will be postponed to August 21. We have also agreed that the State will respond to the defence’s request for further particulars by July 31,” the prosecutor told the court.
Suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla arrive at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court today as their fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice case continues. Both are out on R30 000 bail. During a brief court appearance, the matter was postponed. More details will follow. #Boksburg#Ekurhuleni#Corruption#CrimeNews#CourtNews#EMPD
However, Lerutla’s attorney, Masekela Masenya, criticised the delay, saying it amounts to an injustice for his client.
“We are extremely disappointed with the State’s attitude. Previously they indicated they only needed two days to provide the information, but now the matter has effectively been postponed to allow them more time to prepare a response.
“We are not asking for anything technical. We simply want answers to basic questions about information that is already contained in the docket. I believe this is an injustice. I do not know what the intention behind the delay is. Our client cannot continually take leave from work to attend court. The sooner this matter is finalised, the better,” said Masenya.
Presiding officer Colbert Ramufhifhi also expressed concern that the matter could be unnecessarily prolonged, reminding the State that it was required to respond promptly so the trial could proceed without undue delay.
Presiding officer Colbert Ramufhifhi during proceedings in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.
The State, however, maintained that the case was progressing quickly.
“If you look at the timeframes, this matter has been dealt with speedily. It has not even been on the court roll for three months and is already before the Regional Court, which does not happen often. Matters in the district court frequently take around six months before reaching this stage. The team has worked around the clock to ensure justice is delivered,” said the prosecutor.
The State assured the court that it would provide the requested particulars by July 31.
City says service delivery remains unaffected
Meanwhile, the City of Ekurhuleni has sought to reassure residents that the arrests and suspension of senior officials have not affected municipal operations or service delivery.
City spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe said the municipality’s business continuity plan has ensured that operations continue without disruption.
“As things stand, the city has a business continuity plan, which means business continues even when officials in question are not present. We have acting heads of departments who assume the roles and functions of those who may not be at work, and we continue as planned.
“We have measures in place to mitigate any disruption to service delivery, and we can assure residents that services continue as normal,” said Mbengashe.
Officials face disciplinary hearings
He added that the city’s internal disciplinary processes against the accused officials are continuing independently of the criminal proceedings.
According to Mbengashe, Mkhwanazi is expected to appear at a disciplinary hearing on July 14.
Suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi appeared alongside his co-accused in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.
“The disciplinary process is at an advanced stage. The charges against Mkhwanazi relate to findings that emerged from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. It is a fair process in which he will be afforded the opportunity to state his case. Once the hearing is complete, a report and recommendations will be submitted to the office of the city manager for implementation,” he said.
Mbengashe said disciplinary proceedings involving the other senior officials are also at an advanced stage. Once completed, recommendations will be submitted to the Mayoral Committee before being referred to council for a final decision.
He added that the city will monitor both the disciplinary processes and the court proceedings as the matters unfold.
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.
