EMPD deputy chief and municipal manager appear in court on corruption charges

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni municipal manager Kagiso Lerutla have appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.

According to the South African Government News Agency, the pair appeared in court on Monday, April 20, following their arrest over the weekend.

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The State alleges that in March 2019, the accused acted with a common purpose to evade court proceedings. It is claimed that after Lerutla was arrested for speeding and required to appear in court, the two recruited and paid a third party to impersonate him while he attended a job interview.

The third party allegedly appeared under false pretences and completed diversion documentation using Lerutla’s personal details.

The State further alleges that the accused shared gratification of about R400 000 for facilitating the scheme.

The matter has been postponed to Thursday, April 23, for formal bail applications.

In a separate case, Vusimuzi Matlala, also known as “Cat”, and 15 co-accused appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges including corruption, fraud and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.

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According to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, the matter was postponed for further consultations and for the accused to instruct a legal representative.

The court granted the State’s request for Matlala to remain in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre until consultations are finalised.

The charges relate to the alleged irregular awarding of a contract valued at about R228m to a company linked to Matlala.