Kagiso Michael Lerutla, the City Manager of the City of Ekurhuleni has been arrested. Image: Ekurhuleni
Kagiso Lerutla
1Min
South Africa
Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla arrested for corruption
The arrest of Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla marks a significant escalation in an ongoing investigation into fraud and corruption within the municipality.
Sources have confirmed that Kagiso Michael Lerutla, the City Manager of the City of Ekurhuleni, is the senior municipal official arrested in connection with a fraud and corruption investigation.
Police earlier announced the arrest of a second high-ranking official from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said, the 40-year-old was nabbed on Sunday morning, 19 April 2026, in Johannesburg.
Lerutla, who was appointed City Manager on 1 November 2025 and previously served as the city’s Group Chief Financial Officer, was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport.
He is expected to appear in court on Monday alongside suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi who was arrested on Saturday.
Both Lerutla and Mkhwanazi face multiple charges, including corruption, fraud, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
