Julius Mkhwanazi To Face Additional Ammunition Charge In EMPD Corruption Case

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi is set to face an additional charge in his ongoing criminal case.

Prosecutors have amended the charge sheet to include unlawful possession of ammunition after a cache was discovered at his Alberton home during his arrest on Saturday.

Mkhwanazi’s legal team has challenged the development, arguing that his possession of the ammunition was lawful and not unusual given his position at the time.

Additional Ammunition Charge Sparks Legal Dispute In Julius Mkhwanazi Case

Mkhwanazi, alongside co-accused and Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla, is expected back at the Boksburg Magistrates Court on Friday as their bail application continues.

The pair face charges including fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

His defence told the court that the State introduced the fourth charge without prior notice. This prompted an adjournment to allow amendments to the initial affidavit submitted in response.

Earlier in the week, the State indicated it would investigate the circumstances surrounding the ammunition found at Mkhwanazi’s residence.

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Prosecutors allege he was not licensed to possess the ammunition and have questioned his claim that it remained in his possession after State-issued firearms were retrieved following his suspension in 2025.

The State further argued there had been an understanding that EMPD’s armoury division would collect the ammunition at a later stage.

Mkhwanazi maintains that the ammunition had been issued to him lawfully prior to his suspension.

He also stated that he has been barred from contacting or accessing EMPD personnel, in line with the conditions of his suspension.

Allegations Against Kagiso Lerutla Include Identity Scheme And Fatal Crash

The State is expected to strongly oppose bail when proceedings resume, as further details have emerged regarding the case against Lerutla.

According to the prosecution, Lerutla is linked to an alleged identity-switch scheme dating back to 2019. He was arrested for speeding and released on R1,000 bail, but it is alleged that Mkhwanazi arranged for an impersonator to appear in court on his behalf.

Lerutla is accused of paying approximately R400,000 to avoid having his fingerprints taken, allegedly to protect his prospects of securing a chief financial officer (CFO) position at the time.

The court also heard claims that Lerutla was involved in a 2021 culpable homicide case following a crash that resulted in another driver’s death. It is further alleged that he paid a tow-truck driver to remove the body from the scene.

Both accused are due to appear again at the Boksburg Magistrates Court, where the State will continue to oppose their release on bail.