Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla is expected to resume his duties on Monday when his period of special leave comes to an end.
City spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe confirmed that Lerutla was not suspended, but had instead opted to take voluntary special leave.
Lerutla appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates Court on Wednesday alongside suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi. The pair face charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. Their case was postponed until June.
The City of Ekurhuleni has defended the decision to allow Lerutla to return to work despite the criminal charges.
Ekurhuleni Council Confirms Kagiso Lerutla Will Return After Special Leave
Mbengashe said the council had resolved that Lerutla would return to work once his special leave expired on Monday.
Questions had been raised about whether the municipality’s human resources policies make provision for special leave, but Mbengashe said the policy clearly allows for it.
“Within the city’s HR policy documents, there is a category called special leave. It includes issues relating to school. It includes personal issues and legal matters. So, he has taken special leave.”
Legal Advice Sought Before Decision On Kagiso Lerutla’s Future
Last week, divisions emerged within council over whether Lerutla should be suspended while his criminal case proceeds.
Some councillors argued that he should be placed on suspension, prompting the mayor to table a report outlining the city’s position.
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Council ultimately decided to seek legal advice before making a final determination on the matter.
Lerutla and Mkhwanazi were both granted bail of R30,000 each and remain out on bail pending their next court appearance.
