Suspended Julius Mkhwanazi is now facing an additional legal hurdle after the State introduced a new charge in his ongoing criminal case. The embattled former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief must now answer to a fourth count—unlawful possession of ammunition—adding further complexity to an already high-profile matter.
The new charge stems from the discovery of a significant quantity of ammunition at Mkhwanazi’s home in Alberton during his arrest last Saturday. Prosecutors allege that he was not licensed to possess the ammunition, raising questions about whether it was held legally following his suspension in 2025.
However, Mkhwanazi’s defence team has strongly disputed these claims. They argue that the possession of the ammunition was not unusual given his role at the time and insist that it had been issued to him lawfully before his suspension. According to the defence, the ammunition remained in his possession under circumstances that were understood within the department.
Julius Mkhwanazi’s legal battle deepens with new allegations
The introduction of the additional charge has already had an immediate impact on court proceedings. During a recent appearance at the Boksburg Magistrates Court, Mkhwanazi’s legal team told the court that the State added the new charge without prior notice.
This development prompted the court to adjourn proceedings temporarily, allowing the defence to amend its initial affidavit in response to the updated charge sheet. The delay highlights the evolving nature of the case, which continues to unfold with new allegations and counterarguments.
Earlier in the week, prosecutors had indicated that they were still investigating the circumstances surrounding the ammunition found at Mkhwanazi’s residence. Central to the State’s argument is the claim that the ammunition should have been collected when his State-issued firearms were retrieved following his suspension.
According to the prosecution, there was an understanding that the EMPD’s armoury division would collect any remaining ammunition at a later stage. The State now questions why the cache was still in Mkhwanazi’s possession and whether proper procedures were followed.
Mkhwanazi, however, maintains that he acted within the law. He has reiterated that the ammunition was issued to him during his tenure and that he has since complied with all conditions of his suspension. These conditions include being barred from accessing EMPD facilities or contacting its personnel, a restriction he says he has respected.
The case becomes even more complex as it involves his co-accused, Kagiso Lerutla, who is facing a separate but related set of serious allegations. Both men are expected to return to court as they continue their bail application, with the State indicating it will strongly oppose their release.
Beyond the ammunition charge, Mkhwanazi and Lerutla are already facing multiple counts, including fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice. These charges stem from a broader investigation into alleged misconduct involving senior municipal officials.
In court, the State also outlined further allegations against Lerutla, including claims linked to an alleged identity-switch scheme dating back to 2019. Prosecutors allege that after Lerutla was arrested for speeding, an impersonator was arranged—allegedly by Mkhwanazi—to appear in court on his behalf.
It is further claimed that Lerutla paid approximately R400,000 to avoid having his fingerprints taken, reportedly to protect his prospects of securing a senior position at the time. These allegations, if proven, could significantly impact both his legal standing and public reputation.
Additionally, the court heard that Lerutla may have been involved in a 2021 culpable homicide case following a crash that resulted in a fatality. The State alleges that he later paid a tow-truck driver to remove the body from the scene, adding another layer of seriousness to the charges he faces.
As the bail hearing resumes, prosecutors are expected to present arguments aimed at keeping both accused behind bars, citing the gravity of the charges and the potential risk of interference with investigations.
For Mkhwanazi, the addition of the unlawful possession of ammunition charge underscores the mounting pressure he faces as the case progresses. What began as a corruption and fraud investigation has now expanded into a multifaceted legal battle with significant implications.
The outcome of the bail application will be closely watched, as it could offer an early indication of how the court views the strength of the State’s case. At the same time, the proceedings are likely to continue drawing public attention, given the senior positions once held by the accused.
As the legal process unfolds, the case against Julius Mkhwanazi serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding accountability within public institutions—and the serious consequences that can arise when allegations of misconduct surface at the highest levels.
