The Boksburg Magistrates’ Court has granted bail of R30 000 each to suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager Kagiso Lerutla, who face charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.
The two men are accused of orchestrating a scheme in March 2019 in which they allegedly recruited and paid a third party to impersonate Lerutla in court whilst he attended a job interview.
According to the State’s case, Lerutla had been arrested for speeding and was to appear before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court. Instead of appearing himself, the accused allegedly arranged for an impersonator to attend court under false pretences.
The impersonator completed diversion documentation using Lerutla’s personal details. The State alleges the accused shared gratification of approximately R400 000 for facilitating the arrangement.
The National Prosecuting Authority opposed bail, citing concerns that the accused might interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations.
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“The State opposed bail, relying on the affidavit of the investigating officer, which highlighted a likelihood that the accused may interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations, given the seriousness of the offences, their past conduct in undermining the criminal justice system, and their propensity to defeat the ends of justice,” said NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
The court found that both accused satisfied the requirements for release on bail and that the interests of justice permit their release, subject to conditions.
The matter has been postponed to 13 May for a regional court date.
Kganyago said the NPA respects the court’s decision whilst remaining committed to prosecuting the case. “The NPA will review the outcome, while remaining steadfast in its commitment to prosecute the matter diligently and present a strong case in the interests of justice,” he said.
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