Two high-profile corruption cases made progress in separate South African courts on Monday, with suspended officials facing serious charges related to fraud and irregular contract awards.
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and municipal manager Kagiso Lerutla appeared before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.
Mkhwanazi was arrested at his home on 18 April, while Lerutla was apprehended the following day at OR Tambo International Airport upon returning from Cape Town.
The National Prosecuting Authority alleges the pair acted together in March 2019 to unlawfully evade court proceedings. Following Lerutla’s arrest for speeding and his obligation to appear in court, the accused allegedly recruited and paid a third party to impersonate Lerutla during his court appearance while he attended a job interview.
The impersonator reportedly appeared under false pretences and completed diversion documentation using Lerutla’s personal details. The state claims the accused shared gratification of approximately R400 000 for facilitating the scheme.
The state indicated its intention to oppose bail, and the case was postponed to 23 April for formal bail application.
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Medicare 24 contract case delayed
Meanwhile, the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court postponed the case against Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to 13 May for finalisation of consultations and for him to provide instructions to his attorney.
The court granted the state’s request to detain Matlala at Kgosi Mampuru prison until consultations are completed.
Matlala faces charges alongside 15 others for corruption, fraud and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act. The charges relate to the alleged irregular awarding of a contract to Medicare 24, a company owned by Matlala, valued at approximately R228 million.
Both cases highlight ongoing efforts by South African authorities to address corruption in public institutions and municipal governance.
