Attorney for suspended deputy chief denies witness interference claims in Boksburg Court

The attorney for suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has denied the state’s claim that Mkhwanazi is likely to interfere with witnesses and the ongoing investigation if released on bail.

Mkhwanazi and City Manager Katlego Lerutla are currently applying for bail at the Boksburg Magistrate's Court, where the case has been rolled over to tomorrow. The two accused are facing charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice.

The defence argued that the two officials have no reason to interfere with what it describes as the state’s only witness. Legal teams told the court that the risk of the accused interfering with the prosecution's case was "speculative and not likely."

According to the defence, the case rests heavily on the testimony of a single accomplice witness, making it inherently fragile and unsafe without further corroboration.

It was noted that this witness may be required to give evidence under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows a witness to incriminate themselves and others in exchange for avoiding prosecution.

READ: DA demands immediate suspension of Ekurhuleni City Manager following fraud arrest

Julius Mkhwanazi’s attorney, Advocate Wilkinson, stated that the alleged witness, identified as Mr. Tsotetsi, is not a disinterested party. Wilkinson cautioned the court against relying solely on such testimony:

"If he in fact testifies, he will implicate himself in criminal misconduct. Your Worship is better aware than myself of the fact that an accomplice's witness or testimony should be treated with circumspection."

This follows the state’s formal objection to the release of the two senior officials. Prosecutors have argued that Mkhwanazi and Lerutla will interfere with an investigation that has now reached an advanced stage.