By Mapaballo Borotho
- The State is opposing bail for Julius Mkhwanazi and Kagiso Lerutla, warning they could interfere with investigations and endanger witnesses.
- Prosecutors cited past allegations and the killing of a key witness to argue the accused hold significant influence.
- The pair deny flight risk, while facing charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.
The State has told the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court that suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Department chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, and city manager Kagiso Lerutla could interfere with ongoing criminal investigations against them.
Mkhwanazi and Lerutla are appearing before the court, where the State is opposing their bail.
Prosecutor Nceba Ntelwa told the court that several State witnesses are known to both accused, and this places them in danger, given Mkhwanazi’s history.
The State referenced the Emmanuel Mbense case to support its opposition, citing that Julius Mkhwanazi’s alleged involvement symbolises a level of influence.
Last year, the Madlanga Commission heard that Mkhwanazi covered up a murder case in Ekurhuleni and instructed for Mbense’s body to be disposed of, either in a dam or a mine shaft.
During court proceedings on Thursday, 24 April 2026, Advocate Nceba Ntelwa said an individual known as Witness D, who testified about this, was killed in a hail of bullets.
Lerutla and Mkhwanazi were arrested last weekend in connection with Lerutla’s 2019 traffic incident case, where an impersonator was allegedly hired to appear on his behalf.
They are both facing charges of corruption, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.
Meanwhile, the two say they have no intention of evading justice by leaving the country and are prepared to hand over their passports.
Mkhwanazi, through his lawyers, told the court that he has eight children and is medically unfit.
Lerutla said he is the sole provider for his family.
At the same time, prosecutors are expected to explain how Julius Mkhwanazi had ammunition in his possession at his house while on suspension.
The State says the EMPD would be better suited to give reasons behind this anomaly.
This is a developing story….
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