Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla and former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi returned to the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, as their fraud and corruption case continues.
The case relates to an alleged incident in 2019, when Lerutla was arrested for speeding and was expected to appear in court. According to the State, arrangements were allegedly made for another person to impersonate him during the court proceedings, allowing him to attend a job interview instead.
Prosecutors allege that Lerutla paid approximately R400,000 to Mkhwanazi and the alleged impersonator to facilitate the arrangement. Both men face charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice, while Mkhwanazi also faces a separate firearms charge.
The two accused were previously granted bail of R30,000 each in April 2026 and remain out on bail while the case continues.
Defence Considers Having Case Struck Off The Roll
During the latest developments, Lerutla’s legal team indicated that it was considering an application under Section 342A of the Criminal Procedure Act to have the case struck off the court roll. This follows delays in the proceedings, including an outstanding response to representations submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in September.
The case has experienced several postponements, including a previous delay in September after authorities failed to arrange Mkhwanazi’s transportation from prison to court on time.
The allegations have placed renewed attention on accountability within the City of Ekurhuleni and its municipal leadership. However, both accused remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The case continues as prosecutors and the defence prepare for further legal proceedings.
Main image: Central news
