Lerutla tells court he’s not a flight risk, no history of criminality

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi and his co-accused Kagiso Lerutla appear before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.

City of Ekurhuleni manager Kagiso Lerutla says he has no history of criminality and is not a flight risk. He says his release on bail will be in the best interest of justice.

Lerutla and suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi are applying for bail in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court following their arrest over the weekend.

They face charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.

The case stems from an incident in March 2019 when Lerutla was arrested by traffic police for speeding.

The state has alleged that Mkhwanazi and Lerutla recruited an associate to impersonate Lerutla in court whilst he attended a job interview.

Lerutla’s legal representative, Michael Hellens, read out his client’s affidavit.

“I submit with respect that if this court doesn’t grant me bail, my family and I will suffer grave and irreparable prejudice. I would need to conduct regular consultations with my legal team.”