Calls mounts for Ekurhuleni city manager’s suspension amid fraud case

Calls are mounting for the immediate suspension of Ekurhuleni City Manager, Kagiso Lerutla, following his arrest.

Lerutla who was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, faces charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

The 40 year old appeared before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court alongside suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi on Monday.

According to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, he was initially arrested for speeding in March 2019 but failed to appear in court, resulting in a warrant for his arrest.

Police investigations further allege that he later enlisted Mkhwanazi to arrange for another person to impersonate him in court and complete a diversion programme on his behalf.

“According to our investigation… it is alleged that Brigadier Mkhwanazi organised someone… to impersonate Mr Kagiso Lerutla in court… We are told that Mr X was paid a large sum of money… which he then shared with Brigadier Mkhwanazi,” said Mathe.

The Democratic Alliance’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, says the city cannot be led by someone facing serious criminal allegations. 

“He must be suspended immediately and, if found guilty, dismissed without delay,” she emphasised.

🚨‼️The Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla, who is now under arrest, must be suspended swiftly, pending further investigation into the charges laid against him. Should he be found guilty, he must be dismissed without delay.

Read the full press statement here:… pic.twitter.com/UH03xT6kCV

— DA Gauteng (@DAGauteng) April 20, 2026

Meanwhile, ActionSA has also called for Lerutla’s suspension, saying it will table a motion in council.

The party argues that the Municipal Systems Act empowers the councils to act where misconduct allegations could compromise investigations or public trust.

“ActionSA holds that the gravity of these charges necessitates the immediate suspension of Mr Lerutla, not only to protect the integrity and public image of the city, but above all to uphold the principles of good governance,” said spokesperson Tumelo Tshabalala.

Both Lerutla and Mkhwanazi remain in custody and are expected to return to court on Thursday for a bail application.

Proceedings were postponed to allow for further verification of details and disclosure of the charge sheet.

Meanwhile, Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosiphindile Xhakaza, has appointed Tsholofelo Koopedi as acting city manager to ensure continuity in the administration.