Freedom Day Behind Bars: Mkhwanazi And Lerutla To Remain In Custody As Bail Delayed

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla will remain in custody over the Freedom Day weekend after their bail application was postponed.

The pair appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where proceedings continued after a lengthy bail hearing that began on Thursday. The magistrate reserved judgment, postponing the matter to Tuesday.

Both accused face multiple charges linked to a 2019 incident in which they allegedly conspired to prevent Lerutla’s identity from being recorded on the criminal record system.

Mkhwanazi, Lerutla and State Clash Over Bail Conditions

During the bail application, defence attorneys argued that their clients did not pose a risk to the public, witnesses, or ongoing investigations.

“Unequivocally, I am emphatic that there is no basis for such fear. I am suspended from my admittedly influential position as deputy head of the EMPD, I therefore have little, if any, influence on investigations and any potential witnesses.

“I will certainly not undermine the justice system and will stand my trail and abide by any conditions the court may impose,” Mkhwanazi’s affidavit read.

The defence further argued that bail should not be denied based on “hypothetical” concerns, insisting that a well-founded fear of interference must be established.

The state opposed the application, stating that the seriousness of the Schedule 5 offences could not be minimised. Prosecutors argued that the accused had detailed knowledge of the case and warned that any harm to the sole witness could jeopardise the prosecution.

Allegations of Crash Cover-Up and Additional Claims

The state also presented further allegations during proceedings, including claims that Lerutla was involved in a fatal crash in May 2021.

According to evidence before the court, Lerutla allegedly collided with another vehicle while driving a Mercedes G-Wagon, resulting in the death of the other driver. It is alleged that he then paid a tow-truck driver R10,000 to interfere with the scene before authorities arrived.

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The court heard that the docket related to the incident is missing and is currently being reconstructed by investigators.

In addition, an affidavit linked to witness Marius van der Merwe alleged that a separate killing in April 2022 involved EMPD members and private security acting on instructions from Mkhwanazi.

The defence rejected these claims and indicated that they would challenge the allegations during trial proceedings.

The matter has been postponed, with both accused expected to remain in custody until the next court appearance.