JULIUS MKHWANAZI AND CO-ACCUSED APPEAR IN COURT FOR CORRUPTION

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, and his co-accused, Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager Kagiso Lerutla, made their first appearance before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court photo supplied

By Kaizer Kganyago
Spokesperson National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, and his co-accused, Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager Kagiso Lerutla, made their first appearance before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.

Mkhwanazi was arrested in his home on 18 April 2026 while his co-accused was arrested on 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 postponed to 23 April 2026 for formal bail application.