By Palesa Matlala
- The court in Boksburg delayed a bail decision for Julius Mkhwanazi and Kagiso Lerutla, with the state warning they could interfere with witnesses if released.
- Police found more than 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition and about 15 rounds of R5 ammunition at Mkhwanazi’s home despite his suspension since November 2025.
Suspended Ekurhuleni metro police acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi and city manager Kagiso Lerutla will stay in prison until Friday. The Boksburg Magistrate’s Court was meant to decide on their bail on Thursday but put the ruling off until tomorrow.
State lawyers told the court they do not want the men released. They said the charges are serious and the two men might talk to witnesses if they go home.
Mkhwanazi is charged with fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. The state says he helped fix a speeding fine for Lerutla in 2019. Police say Mkhwanazi was paid R400,000 to make the fine go away.
A special police task team arrested Mkhwanazi at his Gauteng home over the weekend. Officers said they found more than 100 bullets for a 9mm gun and 15 bullets for an R5 rifle at his house. Mkhwanazi has been on suspension since November 2025.
Police caught Lerutla a day later at OR Tambo International Airport. He told the court he is not guilty.
Lawyers for Mkhwanazi said he will not run away and will come to every court date. Lerutla’s lawyers asked for his release because he has a family to support and promised not to meddle in the case.
Advocate Peter Wilkins said: “cannot be arrested for a mere speeding offence”.
The state said the men must stay locked up to stop them from blocking the investigation. Mkhwanazi is also being investigated for other claims. These include the theft of stones worth R45-million, using blue lights illegally and a murder case.
Pictured above: Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager Kagiso Lerutla and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi appeared in court.
Image source: Palesa Matlala
