EMPD Deputy Chief Mkhwanazi in Court as Police Probe Ammunition Find
Viable News Team 
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers
The case has been postponed to Thursday for a formal bail application.
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi
appeared in court alongside Kagiso Lerutla as authorities intensify investigations into corruption allegations and the discovery of ammunition at his residence.
The two appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court facing charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice. The charges relate to an alleged cover-up of a 2019 traffic violation, where Lerutla initially arrested for speeding allegedly arranged for another individual to impersonate him in court.
According to the State, the impersonator appeared under false pretences and completed a rehabilitation programme using Lerutla’s personal details. Prosecutors further allege that around R400,000 was shared among those involved to facilitate the scheme.
Separately, police are investigating why Mkhwanazi was found in possession of a large quantity of ammunition at the time of his arrest. National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that more than 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition and approximately 15 R5 rifle rounds were recovered.
Authorities are now consulting with the EMPD to determine whether Mkhwanazi was legally permitted to possess the ammunition, with that aspect of the probe still ongoing.
The National Prosecuting Authority has indicated that further arrests have not been ruled out as investigations continue.
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