Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and his co-accused, Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager Kagiso Lerutla, have appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court to face charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.
The two appeared in court on Monday, following their arrests over the weekend.
“The State alleges that in March 2019, the accused acted with a common purpose to unlawfully evade court proceedings. Following Lerutla’s arrest for speeding and his subsequent obligation to appear before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court, the accused allegedly recruited and paid a third party to impersonate Lerutla in court, while he attended a job interview.
“It is further alleged that the third party appeared in court under false pretences and completed diversion documentation using Lerutla’s personal details. The State contends that the accused shared gratification of approximately R400 000 for facilitating this scheme,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said.
The matter has been postponed to Thursday for formal bail applications.
Meanwhile, the case against alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and 15 others has been postponed to next month.
“The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court postponed the case… for the finalisation of consultations and for him to give instructions to his attorney.
“The court granted the State its request to have Matlala detained at Kgosi Mampuru until consultations are completed,” Investigating Directorate against Corruption spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, explained.
The accused face charges of corruption, fraud and Contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
“The charges relate to the alleged irregular awarding of a contract to Medicare 24, a company owned by Matlala, valued at approximately R228 million,” Mamothame said. – SAnews.gov.za
