DA demands immediate suspension on Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza to urgently suspend City Manager Kagiso Lerutla following his arrest on Sunday.

Speaking on Monday, DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane said Lerutla should be dismissed if found guilty, stressing that the city cannot be led by someone potentially implicated in criminal activity.

Lerutla is expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court alongside suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, who was arrested on Saturday.

Rasilingwane criticised the governing coalition, saying the DA had previously raised concerns about Lerutla’s performance during his tenure as Group Chief Financial Officer, where he oversaw the city’s financial management.

“Despite warnings from the DA about his performance in his previous position as Group CFO, where he was responsible for the City’s financial performance, the ANC and EFF coalition of chaos saw fit to appoint him to the City’s most senior position,” he said.

He added that the arrest of a senior metropolitan city manager was an embarrassment for the coalition and indicative of deeper governance issues within the municipality.

“The arrest of a major Metro City Manager, put into office by the EFF and ANC, is deeply embarrassing for them. It clearly shows how rotten the coalition is in Ekurhuleni,” Rasilingwane said.

The DA further urged law enforcement agencies to widen their investigations, arguing that more officials within the City must be held accountable, along with any political figures who may be protecting them.

Outside the court, a small group of DA supporters gathered holding placards, calling for swift action against the accused officials.

The matter is expected to proceed in court later on Monday.