Two senior Ekurhuleni officials will spend another chilly weekend in custody after their bail application was postponed yet again. Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and City of Ekurhuleni municipal manager Kagiso Lerutla appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, hoping to secure their release ahead of the long weekend.
However, the court pushed the matter to Tuesday, April 28 — meaning the pair will remain behind bars during the Freedom Day public holiday. They are now expected to learn their fate a day later, when the court decides whether to grant bail or keep them in custody pending trial.Mkhwanazi, through his lawyers, told the court he would not interfere with witnesses or investigations if released.
“I believe my arrest is orchestrated by those who do not want me to apply for the EMPD chief position later this year. I will not flee and trust the trial will clear my name,” his statement read.Lerutla, represented by Advocate Michael Hellens, also maintained his innocence. He argued that the state’s move to escalate a 2019 speeding charge to reckless and negligent driving was unjustified.
“I deny the allegations. I will not evade trial or flee. My continued incarceration will negatively affect my family,” said Lerutla, adding that he earns over R200 000 a month and is the sole provider.But the state, led by Advocate Nceba Ntelwa, strongly opposed bail, warning that the accused could interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations.
Ntelwa told the court that excessive speeding amounts to reckless and negligent driving — an offence that can carry a fine or direct imprisonment — and added that the case now includes charges of defeating the ends of justice.
