Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla, have appeared in court on fraud charges related to an alleged impersonation scheme. According to the South African Police Service, the two officials are accused of orchestrating a plot in which a person was paid to impersonate Lerutla in a court case.
Fraud and Corruption Allegations
The allegations against Mkhwanazi and Lerutla date back to March 2019, when Lerutla was required to appear in court for a traffic violation. However, he allegedly needed to attend a job interview on the same date and, with the help of Mkhwanazi, recruited and paid a third party to pose as him in court.
The impersonator, known as ‘Mr X’, allegedly appeared before the court under false pretences, completing diversion paperwork using Lerutla’s personal details. This allowed Lerutla to attend the job interview for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position at the same time. The State contends that this was no minor deception, with a sum of R400,000 in gratification linked to the scheme.
Charges and Arrests
Mkhwanazi and Lerutla now face charges of corruption, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice. Mkhwanazi was arrested at his home on April 18, while Lerutla was apprehended a day later at OR Tambo International Airport upon arrival from Cape Town. The State has indicated that it will oppose bail, with the case postponed to April 23 for a formal bail application.
The matter comes as Mkhwanazi is facing damning allegations that emerged during his three days of testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Mkhwanazi faced scrutiny at the commission over his alleged role in the death of alleged suspect Emmanuel Mbense, who was allegedly tortured to death by Metro Police officers in April 2022.
- Corruption and fraud charges against Mkhwanazi and Lerutla
- Alleged impersonation scheme in a court case
- R400,000 in gratification linked to the scheme
- Arrests and opposition to bail
For more information on the South African justice system, visit the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website.
