Julius Mkhwanazi and Kagiso Lerutla face serious allegations of fraud and corruption in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. The accusations include attempts to manipulate legal processes. Mkhwanazi is the suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, while Lerutla serves as the Ekurhuleni City Manager.
Mkhwanazi has been accused of drafting an unapproved memorandum of understanding with CAT Security Protection Services. He denied receiving a cash offer from Mike van Wyk, despite a video allegedly showing the offer being made. The state is opposing bail for both men.
Lerutla faces separate allegations. He is accused of offering R10,000 to a tow truck driver to remove a deceased body from a crash site. The police docket related to this incident has reportedly gone missing. Additionally, Lerutla allegedly arranged for a paid impersonator to appear in court on his behalf.
Key facts:
- Mkhwanazi and Lerutla are facing charges dating back to March 2019.
- The commission of inquiry is investigating Mkhwanazi’s connections with private security companies.
- The state claims that the case is now an active criminal inquiry rather than a closed administrative matter.
Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC remarked on the implications of the video evidence against Mkhwanazi. “That is what that video suggests because he says ‘call me and tell me where we are going,'” Baloyi stated. Meanwhile, observers expect further developments as the investigation unfolds.
Officials have indicated that the next steps will focus on gathering more evidence against both individuals. The outcome may significantly impact their careers and the operations within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.
