Mkhwanazi and Lerutla out on bail after court impersonation allegations

Johannesburg
DL

Dimakatso Leshoro

28 April 2026 | 8:45

Magistrate Emmanuel Magampa said the State’s argument that the accused will interfere with investigations and witnesses cannot be considered in isolation.

Mkhwanazi and Lerutla out on bail after court impersonation allegations

Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates Court on Monday, 20 April 2026. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi/EWN

Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Metro Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and City Manager Kagiso Lerutla have each been granted R30,000 bail.

They appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates Court this morning on charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

They are accused of hatching a plan in 2019 in which Mkhwanazi’s driver, Thabang Tsotetsi, allegedly impersonated Lerutla in court after being paid R400,000, shared between him and his boss.

Magistrate Emmanuel Magampa said the State’s argument that the accused will interfere with investigations and witnesses cannot be considered in isolation.

ALSO READ: Bail bid for Julius Mkhwanazi, Kagiso Lerutla set to resume

Earlier, Mkhwanazi’s attorney, Masekela Masenya, had argued that both men were willing to comply with strict bail conditions.

“We are of the strong view that we really submitted a compelling case. We just have to wait for the magistrate to come up with a decision. I cannot be confident. The matter is still waiting for judgment. So, we'll be happy if he goes our way. 

“If it doesn't go our way, we'll get instructions from the client. We don't have instructions there yet. We don't have instructions to do anything except wait for the bail outcome.”

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