The first court appearance of two senior City of Ekurhuleni officials accused of corruption and defeating the ends of justice unfolded under intense scrutiny at the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, with proceedings dominated by bail arguments and delays linked to administrative processes.
Suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla appeared as Applicant 1 and Applicant 2, respectively, facing serious allegations stemming from an incident that dates back to March 2019. The State formally indicated its intention to oppose bail, arguing that both men pose a risk to the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Court proceedings were briefly halted and later adjourned as officials dealt with a range of paperwork and logistical issues. The magistrate confirmed that the matter would continue after the lunch adjournment, with further bail submissions expected.
During the morning session, Mkhwanazi, through an affidavit, outlined his personal circumstances. He told the court that he earns approximately R65,000 per month after deductions and is capable of raising R10,000 for bail. In an affidavit read into the record, Mkhwanazi maintained that he has no previous convictions and is not a flight risk. He further assured the court that he would comply with any bail conditions imposed.
Lerutla, in his own affidavit, also denied posing any threat to the investigation or the public. He told the court that he is willing to hand over his passports if granted bail. He described his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport as humiliating, saying it took place in front of friends. Lerutla added that he has no history of criminal activity and would not interfere with witnesses or evidence.
However, the prosecution painted a vastly different picture, detailing a series of allegations that suggest a coordinated effort to undermine the criminal justice system. According to the State, Lerutla allegedly paid R400,000 to have another individual impersonate him in court following his arrest for speeding in March 2019. The impersonation, the State argued, was intended to prevent Lerutla’s fingerprints from being recorded against a criminal conviction, thereby protecting his prospects for promotion within the municipality.
The prosecutor further alleged that Mkhwanazi received a share of the R400,000 paid to the impersonator. In addition, Lerutla is accused of paying a tow truck driver R10,000 to remove a deceased body from a scene linked to the broader investigation, while two EMPD officers allegedly facilitated his transfer to a hospital under questionable circumstances.
Central to the State’s opposition to bail is an affidavit from a South African Police Service (SAPS) sergeant currently attached to the SAPS head office and working with the Madlanga Task Team. The affidavit describes the charges as serious and damaging to the credibility of the country’s criminal justice system.
The officer stated that the case involves allegations of corruption, defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, and deliberate impersonation. She further indicated that evidence would show that Mkhwanazi benefited financially from the alleged scheme, receiving an equal share of the R400,000 payment.
The court also heard that during Mkhwanazi’s arrest this month, police allegedly found 153 rounds of 9mm ammunition and additional rounds for assault rifles. Mkhwanazi reportedly claimed that the ammunition belonged to the municipality. However, the State noted that he is currently suspended and had been instructed to return all municipal property in his possession.
The origins of the case were traced back to developments in July 2025, when KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held a press conference highlighting alleged interference in the criminal justice system. This prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a commission of inquiry, widely referred to as the Madlanga Commission, to investigate the claims.
According to the State, the commission uncovered evidence implicating several individuals, including the two accused, in activities that allegedly undermined justice and enabled abuse of power for personal gain. The recommendations of the commission ultimately led to the arrests now before the court.
The prosecution argued that both accused have a history of interfering with investigations. It was alleged that the 2019 case remained effectively dormant for years, only resurfacing following the intervention of the commission. This, the State contends, demonstrates the accused’s ability to manipulate processes and avoid accountability.
“The applicants are facing serious charges which have a negative impact on the criminal justice system,” the affidavit read. “There is a strong likelihood that they will interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations if released on bail.”
The State emphasised that both men are familiar with key witnesses, raising further concerns about possible intimidation or tampering with evidence. Prosecutors also argued that the alleged offences fall under Schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act, placing a heavier burden on the accused to prove why bail should be granted.
Defence lawyers are expected to counter these claims when proceedings resume, arguing that the State has not provided sufficient evidence to justify continued detention.
As the court adjourned for lunch, it remained clear that the case is likely to draw significant public and political attention, given the senior positions previously held by the accused and the broader implications for governance within the Ekurhuleni municipality.
Proceedings are set to continue later in the day, with the magistrate expected to hear further arguments before making a determination on bail in the coming days.
