By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The suspended Ekurhuleni metro police boss Julius Mkhwanazi and City manager Kagiso Lerutla will have to wait until Thursday to make a formal bail application.
The pair appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday to face charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating or obstructing the ends of justice.
Mkhwanazi was arrested on Saturday, 18 April 2026 at his home and authorities found ammunition during the operation. He has been on precautionary suspension since November 2025.
SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that authorities are now investigating a separate matter involving ammunition found during his apprehension.
“We can confirm that Julius Mkhwanazi was found with more than 100 9mm rounds of ammunition as well as 15 R5 live ammunition rounds. Our team is still consulting with the EMPD to determine whether or not he was meant to be in possession of the live ammunition.”
Lerutla was arrested on Sunday, 19 April 2026, at OR Tambo International Airport. Fullview understands that Lerutla had just returned from Cape Town.
At the beginning of the court proceedings, there were attempts to limit or block media reporting on the case, ultimately the court granted the permission to broadcast the proceedings.
The State told the court that the pair faces charges emanating from the case in 2019. The State said they acted in common purpose in committing the crimes.
Lerutla was arrested on a 2019 charge relating to speeding.
Mkhwanazi is accused of assisting Lerutla in manipulating a speeding case. The state alleges the pair conspired to prevent Lerutla from appearing in court.
The investigation revealed an individual was paid R400 000 to impersonate Lerutla during court proceedings.
According to the charge sheet, Mkhwanazi is accused of receiving gratification, while Lerutla is accused of offering it.
Mkhwanazi is also under intense scrutiny at the Madlanga commission of inquiry, which is probing allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and the existence of criminal networks linked to the EMPD.
The State opposed bail and indicated the matter would proceed as a Schedule 5 offence, citing the seriousness of the charges.
It sought a postponement to Thursday to verify the accused’s personal details and prepare for the bail application.
“We are asking for time to gather information surrounding the arrest. The accused must be profiled, and the addresses of next of kin or relatives must be verified,” the court heard.
Magistrate granted the State the postponement.
Mkhwanazi and Lerutla will remain in custody and are scheduled to return to court for a formal bail application on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
Meanwhile the city of Ekurhuleni has appointed Tsholofelo Koopedi as the acting City Manager following the arrest of Lerutla.
The appointment of the acting City manager was confirmed by the metro’s spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe, who was outside court.
“Two senior municipal officials, Julius Mkhwanazi and Kagiso Lerutla from the city of Ekurhuleni, are appearing in court; the matters are different and will be able to comment after the outcome of the court,” he said.