Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla and suspended EMPD acting chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi made their first court appearance at the Boksburg magistrate’s court, facing charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. The pair is accused of orchestrating an audacious scheme in March 2019, where Lerutla allegedly paid a third party, known as ‘Mr X’, to impersonate him in court.
According to prosecutors, Lerutla had been arrested for a traffic violation and was required to appear in court. Instead, the state alleged, the pair recruited and paid ‘Mr X’ to pose as Lerutla, allowing him to attend a job interview for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position at the same time. The impersonator allegedly appeared before the court under false pretences, completing diversion paperwork using Lerutla’s personal details.
Alleged R400K Gratuities
The state contended that the two shared about R400,000 in gratification linked to the scheme, pointing to a calculated effort to manipulate the justice system for personal gain. Police spokesperson, Brig. Athlenda Mathe, confirmed this to the media on the sidelines of the court case, stating that the authorities had been investigating the matter and had finally gathered enough evidence to make the arrests.
Authorities moved in last week, with Mkhwanazi being arrested at his home on April 18, while Lerutla was apprehended a day later at OR Tambo International Airport upon arrival from Cape Town. Both men now face charges of corruption, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice. The State has indicated it will oppose bail.
Case Postponed
The case was postponed to April 23 for a formal bail application, allowing the defence to receive the charge sheet and clarify the full scope of the allegations. In the meantime, Lerutla’s position as Ekurhuleni City Manager has been filled by an interim manager, as confirmed by city spokesperson Phakamakile Mbengashe.
For more information on the South African Police Service and their efforts to combat corruption, The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development also provides valuable resources on the justice system and the laws governing corruption.
- Kagiso Lerutla and Julius Mkhwanazi face charges of corruption, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice
- The pair allegedly shared R400,000 in gratification linked to the scheme
- The case was postponed to April 23 for a formal bail application
