Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi’s fraud and corruption case linked to the so-called ‘blue-lights’ saga has been postponed in the Germiston Magistrates’ Court.
Mkhwanazi appeared alongside alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and EMPD official Chris Steyn.
Proceedings were complicated by a separate murder case involving the killing of businessman Emmanuel Mbense, which has implications for Mkhwanazi’s bail application.
Mkhwanazi was also served with his fifth warrant of arrest while appearing in the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court.
His lawyer, Shafique Sarlie, argued that Mkhwanazi was not a flight risk and had no reason to abscond if granted bail. The State did not oppose his bail application.
Magistrate Trevor Klassen outlined the way forward and postponed Mkhwanazi’s matter to 14 September.
“Accused number one, you’re reminded you are in custody. You will be kept at the Benoni Police Station,” Klassen said.
Matlala remains in custody, while Steyn was granted bail of R10,000.
The case against Matlala and Steyn has been postponed to 9 October.
Friday’s proceedings marked the first time Mkhwanazi and Matlala appeared together in the same dock.
The accused face charges arising from an investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the EMPD’s controversial use of blue lights.
The case forms part of a wider investigation into alleged corruption and criminal activity involving officials and individuals linked to the controversial blue-lights operations.
