By Palesa Matlala
- Police say the two men paid a third person about R400,000 to stand in court using false details in 2019.
- The pair were arrested in April 2026 and return to Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on 23 April as bail is opposed.
A court heard that a man known as Mr X was paid to pretend to be a city manager in court.
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.
They face charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.
Police arrested Mkhwanazi at his home on 18 April 2026. Lerutla was arrested a day later at OR Tambo International Airport after arriving from Cape Town.
The State says the case goes back to March 2019. Lerutla had been arrested for speeding and was meant to appear in court.
Prosecutors say he paid a third person, known as Mr X, to go to court in his place while he attended a job interview.
The State says Mr X used Lerutla’s personal details and filled in diversion forms under false pretences.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the accused shared about R400,000 for the scheme.
He said the State will push for the harshest sentences.
South African Police Service spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the legal process must continue without interference.
She said more details will come out in court and warned people not to try identify Mr X.
Police and prosecutors say more arrests are possible.
The case returns to court on 23 April 2026. The State plans to oppose bail.
Pictured above: Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and city manager Kagiso Lerutla in court.
Image source: Palesa Matlala.
