Johannesburg – Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, and his co-accused, Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager Kagiso Lerutla, have been remanded in custody.
The pair accused of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice made their first appearance before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 20 April 2026.
Mkhwanazi was arrested in his home on Satruday 18 April 2026, while his co-accused, Lerutla, was arrested yesterday, Sunday 19 April 2026, at the OR Tambo International Airport on his way from Cape Town.
The State alleges that in March 2019, the accused acted, with a common purpose, to unlawfully evade court proceedings.
Following Lerutla’s arrest for speeding and his subsequent obligation to appear before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court, the accused allegedly recruited and paid a third party to impersonate Lerutla in court while he attended a job interview.
It is further alleged that the third party appeared in court under false pretences and completed diversion documentation using Lerutla’s personal details.
The State contends that the accused shared gratification of approximately R400 000 for facilitating this scheme.
The matter was placed before the court, where the State indicated its intention to oppose bail.
The case was adjourned to Thursday, 23 April 2026 for formal bail application.
Mkhwanazi, who was recently grilled by the Madlanga Commission about alleged wrongdoing, and Lerutla were remanded in custody.
Meanwhile, Tsholofelo Koopedi has been appointed as City of Ekurhuleni’s acting city manager.
Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe has confirmed the acting appointment.
