Mkhwanazi, Lerutla fraud and corruption case postponed to September

Julius Mkhwanazi

Cape Town – The fraud and corruption case against suspended City of Ekurhuleni Deputy Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and City Manager Kagiso Lerutla has been postponed to 29 September 2026. 

The pair made a brief appearance in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court, east of Johannesburg, on Friday. 

Mkhwanazi and Lerutla face charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice relating to an alleged scheme dating back to 2019. 

According to SABC News, the State has provided the defence with further particulars in the case. 

Mkhwanazi’s lawyer told the court that his client was ready for the matter to proceed to trial. 

Lerutla’s legal team, however, said it was preparing representations seeking the withdrawal of the charges. His lawyers are also seeking an affidavit that was used to obtain a warrant for his arrest. 

The case relates to allegations that Lerutla paid about R400,000 to Mkhwanazi and an alleged impersonator to appear in court on his behalf after Lerutla was arrested for speeding. 

The State alleges that the arrangement formed part of the conduct underlying the charges against the two men. 

Both Mkhwanazi and Lerutla remain out on R30,000 bail each. 

Lerutla’s lawyer, Masekela Masenya, previously raised concerns about delays in the matter. 

Speaking to Eyewitness News journalists during an earlier court appearance, Masenya said the delays were prejudicing his client’s ability to prepare for the pre-trial proceedings and eventual trial. 

The matter will return to the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on 29 September, when the parties are expected to provide a further update on the case. 

Picture: Screengrab

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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi

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