DA demands immediate suspension of Ekurhuleni City Manager following fraud arrest

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni has announced plans to table an urgent motion for the immediate suspension of embattled Municipal Manager, Kagiso Lerutla.

The move follows a demonstration held by the party outside the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court, where Lerutla and disgraced EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi recently applied for bail.

READ: Julius Mkhwanazi, Kagiso Lerutla expected to bring bail bid to court

The pair were arrested over the weekend and face several serious charges stemming from a 2019 case. These charges include corruption, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice. According to the prosecution, the duo allegedly colluded to have an impersonator appear in court on Lerutla’s behalf to answer for a speeding violation.

While Lerutla has reportedly been granted special leave, the DA’s mayoral candidate in Ekurhuleni, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, argues that this measure is insufficient and that a formal suspension is the only appropriate course of action to maintain the municipality's integrity.

"We are calling on the Executive Mayor to suspend him so that there could be proper investigations taking place, and so that the municipality can be protected," Rasilingwane stated.

She further emphasised the risk to the city's governance, noting that a sitting manager with a questionable character should not be permitted to remain on leave, as special leave does not equate to true accountability.