The fraud and corruption case involving Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla and suspended Metro Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been postponed to 3 November 2026.
The pair appeared in connection with allegations stemming from a 2019 scheme in which a third person allegedly impersonated Lerutla in court after he had been arrested for speeding.
The State alleges that the impersonator was paid as part of a R400,000 arrangement allegedly facilitated by Mkhwanazi. Prosecutors claim the scheme was intended to allow Lerutla to avoid appearing in court while attending a job interview.
The accused face charges including fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. Mkhwanazi is also facing a separate firearms charge.
Tuesday’s proceedings at the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court were disrupted after Mkhwanazi was not brought before the court in time.
The court heard that a request for his appearance had been submitted late. The required 48-hour requisition for his transfer from Boksburg Prison was reportedly only submitted on Monday.
The magistrate subsequently stood the matter down and called for the correct procedure to be followed.
As a result, only Lerutla appeared in the dock on Tuesday while the court dealt with the issue surrounding Mkhwanazi’s attendance.
Mkhwanazi was arrested at his home on 18 April 2026, while Lerutla was arrested the following day at OR Tambo International Airport after returning from Cape Town.
The matter has now been postponed to 3 November for a further court appearance.
The allegations against Lerutla and Mkhwanazi have not been proven in court. Both accused remain presumed innocent unless and until found guilty.