Statement by Khathutshelo Rasilingwane MPL – DA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate:
The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes the appearance of Ekurhuleni City Manager, Kagiso Lerutla, and suspended EMPD Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, in the Boksburg Regional Court today. Their case was postponed to 13 July 2026 for amended charge sheets and pre-trial preparations.
The pair face serious charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice after allegedly paying approximately R400 000 to a third party to impersonate Mr Lerutla in court in 2019 when he allegedly failed to appear on a speeding charge.
While Mr Mkhwanazi remains suspended, Mr Lerutla continues to occupy the highest administrative office in the City while his trustworthiness has been undermined. This is completely unacceptable.
We reiterate our call for Mr Lerutla to be placed on immediate precautionary suspension pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Allowing a City Manager facing such serious criminal charges to remain in office erodes public confidence, weakens accountability and raises legitimate concerns about the integrity of the City’s administration.
The continued failure by the ANC-led administration to act decisively sends the wrong message to residents who expect ethical leadership and transparent governance.
We formally wrote to Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, in June 2026 calling for urgent intervention in terms of Sections 105 and 106 of the Municipal Systems Act.
More than a month later, residents are still waiting for decisive action while a City Manager facing serious criminal charges remains in office. We therefore renew our call for immediate intervention and accountability.
The people of Ekurhuleni deserve an honest, capable and accountable government.
On 4 November 2026, residents will have the opportunity to vote for a government that puts integrity, clean governance and service delivery first.
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