South Africa - Johannesburg - 20 April 2026 - Suspended EMPD acting chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla, has made their first court appearance at the Boksburg magistrate's court, both face charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla allegedly skipped court and sent a paid impersonator, “Mr X” in his place, while attending a crucial job interview, and was helped by suspended acting EMPD chief, Julius Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi and Lerutla appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, accused of orchestrating the audacious scheme in March 2019.
According to prosecutors, Lerutla had been arrested for a traffic violation and was required to appear in court.
Instead, the state alleged, the pair recruited and paid a third party to pose as him.
The impersonator allegedly appeared before the court under false pretences, completing diversion paperwork using Lerutla’s personal details.
This allowed the Lerutla to attend an interview for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position at the same time.
The state contended this was no minor deception.
Prosecutors alleged the two shared about R400,000 in gratification linked to the scheme, pointing to a calculated effort to manipulate the justice system for personal gain.
The police spokesperson, Brig. Athlenda Mathe also confirmed this to the media on the sidelines of the court case.
Police spokesperson, Brig. Athlenda Mathe and NPA spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago briefed the media on the sidelines of the corruption case against suspended EMPD cheer, Julius Mkhwanazi and City Manager, Kagiso Lerutla in Boksburg Magistrate’s court on Monday.
Image: Kamogelo Moichela / IOL News
Authorities moved in last week. Mkhwanazi was arrested at his home on April 18, while Lerutla was apprehended a day later at OR Tambo International Airport upon arrival from Cape Town.
Both men now face charges of corruption, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice. The State has indicated it will oppose bail.
The case was postponed to April 23 for a formal bail application.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics