Suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Brig. Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where each was granted 30,000 rand bail following a delayed application.
Image: Kamogelo Moichela / IOL News
The Boksburg Magistrates’ Court granted the suspended EMPD deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla bail of 30 000 rand each.
The two appeared in court Tuesday morning after their bail application was delayed last week.
The state opposed bail, arguing that the charges against the pair were serious and raising concerns that they could interfere with witnesses and the investigation.
Mkhwanazi faces charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
The charges relate to an alleged 2019 incident in which he is accused of manipulating a speeding case involving Lerutla in exchange for R400 000.
He was arrested at his home in Gauteng over the weekend by the SAPS Madlanga Commission Task Team.
Police said they recovered more than 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition and about 15 rounds of R5 ammunition.
Mkhwanazi has been suspended since November 2025.
Lerutla was arrested a day later at OR Tambo International Airport and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Last week in court, Mkhwanazi’s legal team argued that he is not a flight risk and would cooperate with investigators, adding that he poses no danger to the public.
Lerutla’s lawyers said he should be granted bail because he is a family breadwinner and would not interfere with witnesses or the investigation.
Advocate Peter Wilkins SC told the court his client “cannot be arrested for a mere speeding offence”.
The state maintained that both accused could obstruct the investigation if released.
Separately, Mkhwanazi has been linked to allegations raised at the Madlanga Commission, including the theft of precious stones worth R45 million, facilitating illegal “blue light” privileges, and alleged involvement in disposing of a murder victim’s body.
Those allegations remain under investigation.
As part of the bail conditions, the court has ordered that Mkhwanazi and Lerutla surrender their passports to the state.
The two are not allowed to contact directly or indirectly the witnesses.
The case has been postponed to May 13.
Cape Times