Boksburg: The bail application of suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla will continue on Friday, 24 April in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.
On Thursday, prosecutors laid out serious allegations of corruption, witness intimidation, and interference with justice.
The two senior officials face charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice. Their legal teams have argued strongly for their release on bail, maintaining their innocence and disputing key elements of the state’s case.
In his affidavit, Mkhwanazi told the court he suffers from Type 2 diabetes and requires chronic medication, arguing that his health condition should be considered in granting bail. He emphasized that he has no prior criminal record and had fully cooperated with police during his arrest, including remaining confined to a room in his home while officers conducted a search and seizure operation.
Mkhwanazi denied allegations that he received a R200,000 bribe from Lerutla in 2019. The state alleges that, at his instruction, a security officer appeared in court on Lerutla’s behalf in a separate matter. Mkhwanazi dismissed the claims as baseless, stating that the case against him is “very weak” and “non-existent.”
He further claimed his arrest was orchestrated to derail his ambitions of becoming chief of police. “I believe I will be completely exonerated and clear my name,” he said, adding that he intends to plead not guilty and has no intention of interfering with witnesses or evading trial. He indicated he could afford bail of R10,000.
Lerutla, a qualified chartered accountant, also denied all charges. Arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 19 April 2026, he told the court he had cooperated fully with authorities and has no prior convictions or pending cases.
Describing himself as “deeply rooted” in South Africa with stable employment and family ties, Lerutla said he poses no flight risk and would comply with any bail conditions imposed. He also stressed that he does not know the identities of state witnesses and has no reason to interfere with them. He indicated he could raise bail of up to R20,000.
However, the state has strongly opposed their release. Investigating officer Detective Silindile Sibahle Madinane, a 17-year veteran of the South African Police Service, submitted an affidavit describing the charges as serious and damaging to the country’s justice system.
According to Madinane, the case stems from a 2019 incident in which Lerutla was arrested for speeding. The state alleges that Mkhwanazi orchestrated a scheme in which a driver appeared in court on Lerutla’s behalf in exchange for payment, enabling Lerutla to avoid a criminal record while pursuing a chief financial officer position.
The officer claims Lerutla paid approximately R400,000, which was shared with Mkhwanazi and his driver, and that similar arrangements were later used to assist other officials. “This is an assault on the criminal justice system by individuals entrusted to uphold it,” Madinane stated.
Madinane further warned that releasing the accused could jeopardize the investigation. She alleged that both men have previously interfered with inquiries and may attempt to influence witnesses, many of whom are former subordinates and considered vulnerable.
In a separate allegation, the officer told the court that Lerutla was involved in a 2021 fatal vehicle collision. She claimed the case was initially withdrawn and that the docket has since gone missing, with investigations into the matter ongoing.
The defence sharply criticized the state’s affidavit, arguing that it introduces allegations not contained in the original charge sheet. Lawyers for the accused said they were “surprised” by the new claims and requested time to take further instructions.
Following an adjournment, both Mkhwanazi and Lerutla filed replying affidavits, denying all allegations made by the investigating officer.
Lerutla questioned the plausibility of the state’s claims, stating, “The probability is no one will pay R400,000 to avoid appearing in court for a speeding case.” Mkhwanazi, for his part, rejected every allegation in the state’s opposing affidavit.
The court is expected to consider arguments from both sides before ruling on whether the two accused will be granted bail. Proceedings are set to continue as the court weighs the strength of the state’s case against the rights of the accused to be released pending trial.
