A corruption case against EMPD’s Julius Mkhwanazi and Kagiso Lerutla has been postponed to April 28.
Image: Kamogelo Moichela / IOL News
The Boksburg Magistrate’s Court has yet again postponed the bail application of suspended EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla.
The bail outcome will be heard on Tuesday.
The state opposed bail, arguing the charges against the pair are serious and raising concerns that they could interfere with witnesses as well as investigations.
Mkhwanazi faces charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice. The charges stem from an alleged 2019 incident in which he is accused of manipulating a speeding case involving Lerutla in exchange for R400,000.
He was arrested at his home in Gauteng over the weekend by the SAPS Madlanga Commission Task Team.
Police are said they recovered more than 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition and about 15 rounds of R5 ammunition.
Mkhwanazi has been suspended since November 2025.
Lerutla was arrested a day later at OR Tambo International Airport. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In court, Mkhwanazi’s legal team said he is not a flight risk and will cooperate with investigators. They told the court he poses no danger to the public.
Lerutla’s lawyers said he should be granted bail because he is a family breadwinner and would not interfere with witnesses or the investigation.
Advocate Peter Wilkins SC told the court his client “cannot be arrested for a mere speeding offence.”
The state maintained that both accused could obstruct the investigation if released.
Separately, Mkhwanazi has been linked to allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission, including 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 allegations are still under investigation.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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