Zuko Komisa
- Boksburg Magistrates’ Court granted R30,000 bail each to suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Municipal Manager Kagiso Lerutla.
- The pair face counts of corruption, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice regarding a 2019 court impersonation scheme.
- Despite State opposition over fears of witness interference, the matter was postponed to 13 May 2026 for a regional court hearing.
The Boksburg Magistrates’ Court has granted bail of R30,000 each to the suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, and Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager, Kagiso Lerutla.
The court ruled that both men met the necessary requirements for release and that the interests of justice would be served, provided they adhere to specific conditions.
The prosecution alleges that in March 2019, the pair conspired to bypass the legal system following Lerutla’s arrest for speeding.
Instead of appearing in court, Lerutla allegedly attended a job interview while the accused hired a third party to impersonate him. This individual reportedly used Lerutla’s personal details to complete diversion documents under false pretences.
State investigators claim that approximately R400,000 was shared as “gratification” for facilitating the deception. Consequently, Mkhwanazi and Lerutla have been charged with corruption, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.
The State unsuccessfully opposed bail, citing the investigating officer’s concerns that the accused might interfere with witnesses or further undermine the criminal justice system.
The case has been postponed until 13 May 2026, when it will move to the regional court.
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