South Africa - Johannesburg - 23 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
Suspended EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla are expected to know their fate soon, after the court postponed their bail application to Friday.
The two appeared in Boksburg Magistrate’s court on Thursday, where the state opposed their release, arguing the charges against them are serious and warning that they could interfere with witnesses.
The court is expected to rule on the matter.
Mkhwanazi faces charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. His arrest is linked to an alleged 2019 scheme in which he is accused of manipulating a speeding case involving Lerutla in exchange for a R400,000 payment.
He (Mkhwanazi) was arrested over the weekend at his home in Gauteng by the SAPS Madlanga Commission Task Team.
Police said they found more than 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition and about 15 rounds of R5 ammunition in his possession, despite his suspension since November 2025.
Lerutla was arrested a day later at OR Tambo International Airport. He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations against him.
In court, Mkhwanazi’s legal team said he is not a flight risk and poses no danger to the public.
They told the court he will cooperate with investigators and attend all proceedings.
Lerutla’s lawyers argued he should be released on bail as he is a family breadwinner and will not interfere with the investigation or witnesses.
Adv Peter Wilkins SC said his client “cannot be arrested for a mere speeding offence”.
The state maintained that both accused could obstruct the case if released.
Beyond the current charges, Mkhwanazi has also been linked to other allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission.
These include the theft of precious stones worth R45 million, facilitating illegal “blue light” privileges, and alleged involvement in disposing of a murder victim’s body.
Those matters remain under investigation
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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