Corruption-accused deputy chief heads to disciplinary hearing as City presses ahead with accountability process.
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is set to face an internal disciplinary committee on Tuesday, 14 July, as the City of Ekurhuleni continues its own accountability process while his criminal case remains before the courts.
The development was confirmed on Monday by the City’s Head of Communications, Marketing and Tourism, Phakamile Mbengashe.
“Mkhwanazi is expected to attend a disciplinary committee on Tuesday as part of the City’s internal processes,” said Mbengashe.
The hearing comes a day after Mkhwanazi and suspended Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla appeared in court on Monday, 13 July, where their fraud and corruption case was postponed to 21 August after the State requested more time to provide the defence with further particulars.
The pair remain out on R30 000 bail each.
Mkhwanazi and Lerutla face charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. Prosecutors allege Lerutla paid Mkhwanazi R400 000 to arrange for an impersonator to appear in court after Lerutla’s 2019 arrest for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Both men deny the allegations and remain innocent until proven guilty.
But the criminal case is only one of Mkhwanazi’s legal headaches.
The suspended deputy chief was formally suspended on 11 November 2025 following an internal investigation linked to a 2023 Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report and evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
He is accused of unlawfully committing the EMPD to an agreement that allegedly allowed vehicles belonging to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to be fitted with municipal blue lights.
He also allegedly approved 55 irregular appointments and promotions, which are under review following instructions by Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.
Mbengashe said the City remains committed to accountability while respecting the legal process.
“It is not business as usual. We support law enforcement agencies, but we also recognise that every accused person is innocent until proven guilty,” he said.
The outcome of Tuesday’s disciplinary hearing could determine the City’s next steps against Mkhwanazi, while his criminal case resumes in the Boksburg Regional Court on 21 August.
