Ekurhuleni City Manager Lerutla, Metro Police Deputy Chief Case Postponed

The fraud and corruption case against Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla and suspended Metro Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been postponed to 3 November.

The pair appeared before the Boksburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday for a status update, but the proceedings were disrupted after the State failed to secure Mkhwanazi's transfer from Boksburg Prison in time for the hearing.

A request for Mkhwanazi to be brought to court was submitted late. The court heard that the required 48-hour requisition for his attendance had only been lodged on Monday.

The magistrate stood down the matter and called for the correct process to be followed. Lerutla was the only accused present in the dock.

Alleged 2019 Court Impersonation Scheme

The State alleges that Lerutla and Mkhwanazi colluded in a 2019 scheme involving the use of an impersonator.

According to the allegations, a third person was arranged to appear in court in Lerutla's place after the city manager had been arrested for speeding.

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The State alleges that Mkhwanazi facilitated a R400,000 arrangement under which the impersonator was paid, allowing Lerutla to avoid appearing in court while attending a job interview.

The allegations form part of charges including fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

Mkhwanazi also faces a separate charge relating to firearms.

Arrests Took Place In April

Mkhwanazi was arrested at his home on 18 April this year.

Lerutla was arrested the following day at OR Tambo International Airport after returning from Cape Town.

Both men remain accused in the case, and the allegations against them have yet to be tested in court.

The matter will return to the Boksburg Magistrates Court on 3 November.