Freedom Day in custody for Mkhwanazi and Lerutla as court delays bail ruling

Mkhwanazi

Johannesburg – Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla will remain in custody over the Freedom Day weekend after their bail hearing in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court was postponed to Tuesday.

According to The Citizen, the pair face multiple charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice, linked to an alleged 2019 scheme in which they conspired to keep Lerutla’s identity off the criminal record system.

In court, the defence argued that the accused pose no threat to the public, witnesses or the investigation, and that bail should not be denied on speculative grounds.

The State, however, opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the schedule five offences and warning that any interference with the sole witness could jeopardise the case.

Prosecutors further alleged that Lerutla was involved in a fatal 2021 crash and subsequently attempted to cover it up.

According to Eyewitness News, the State claims Lerutla crashed into another vehicle, killing the driver, and later paid a tow truck driver to dispose of the body.

Prosecutor Advocate Nceba Mtelwa argued that the extent of the alleged cover-up demonstrates why the accused should remain in custody pending trial.

Mkhwanazi has also been linked to a separate 2022 murder allegation.

“Additionally, an affidavit deposed by the murdered Marius van der Merwe – Witness D – alleged that EMPD members and private security officers murdered a man April 2022 at the behest of Mkhwanazi,” The Citizen reported.

The defence has denied all allegations and indicated it will challenge the State’s case during trial.

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