By Johnathan Paoli
The Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday postponed the case against suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and City Manager Kagiso Lerutla to Thursday for a formal bail application, after the state said it needed more time to verify key details.
The magistrate ruled that the matter be adjourned despite submissions from both defence teams urging the court to proceed with bail as early as Wednesday.
Mkhwanazi and Lerutla face charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice, which fall under Schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act, placing the onus on them to convince the court they should be released on bail.
ALSO READ: ANC orders dual SACP members to declare loyalties in writing
The case stems from allegations linked to a 2019 incident involving Lerutla.
According to reports, Lerutla was arrested in March 2019 for speeding and later released on bail. He allegedly failed to appear in court, prompting the issuance of a warrant for his arrest.
It is further alleged that after submitting a medical certificate, Lerutla contacted Mkhwanazi, who then arranged for an individual, referred to as “Mr X”, to impersonate Lerutla in court.
The impersonator allegedly appeared using Lerutla’s personal details, after which the prosecutor diverted the case.
“Mr X” reportedly completed community service and received a payment that was later shared with Mkhwanazi.
Earlier on Monday, the state said that it would oppose bail for both accused, arguing that it required additional time to finalise its position.
The prosecutor told the court that the suspects were arrested over the weekend and had limited opportunity to consult with their legal representatives.
ALSO READ: Court to rule on suspended cop Nkosi’s bail bid on Wednesday
He added that an informal agreement had been reached for a formal bail application to proceed on Thursday.
However, defence counsel for Mkhwanazi, advocate Zweli Zakwe, rejected this claim, telling the court they were unaware of any such agreement and were prepared to proceed immediately.
Zakwe said his client had been arrested at his home on Saturday morning and that his address had already been confirmed.
“They have seven days to verify details, but they must explain their failure to do so thus far,” Zakwe said.
He claimed the arrest appeared to be a “pre-planned operation.” He said that delaying the bail application would prejudice his client and proposed that the matter proceed on Wednesday instead.
Legal counsel for Lerutla, Advocate Peter Williams, supported these submissions, telling the court that address verification could be completed within the day.
He argued that Lerutla lived in close proximity to the court and that investigators already had access to comprehensive personal details, including his residential address.
Williams questioned the state’s reasoning, saying its claim that it still needed time to verify information “lacks plausibility”, and insisted that the bail application warranted urgent consideration.
Despite these arguments, the magistrate noted that the defence did not formally oppose a postponement and ruled that the matter should proceed on Thursday to allow the state to complete its verification process.
Mkhwanazi’s counsel requested access to the charge sheet to clarify the schedule of offences and better prepare for the bail application.
ALSO READ: Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala remains at Kgosi Mampuru Prison until 13 May
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, speaking after the hearing, said the state has a strong case, supported by a witness who has provided detailed information about the alleged scheme.
Separately, the court granted an application by the media to attend proceedings, with the prosecution raising no objection provided certain conditions — such as protecting identities where necessary — were observed. Williams also indicated he had no objection to media access, and the magistrate approved the request.
Outside court, members of the DA staged a protest, calling for Lerutla’s immediate suspension.
DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane said the arrest of a senior municipal official was “deeply embarrassing” and urged swift action by city leadership.
“The city cannot continue to be led by someone who is potentially implicated in criminal activity,” Rasilingwane said.
Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has confirmed the appointment of Tsholofelo Koopedi to serve as the acting city manager for the metro.
