Arrest warrant for Julius Mkhwanazi stayed after state fails to file transfer requisition

According to IOL, a warrant of arrest issued for former Ekurhuleni deputy police chief Julius Mkhwanazi was stayed after he missed a scheduled appearance at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court because the state failed to comply with a procedural time limit.

What went wrong

According to IOL, prosecutors did not submit the required requisition for Mkhwanazi’s transfer within the prescribed 48-hour period. That requisition is used to give correctional authorities time to arrange transport, security and other logistical requirements for an accused person’s court appearance.

According to IOL, the state’s transfer request was only submitted on Monday, placing it outside the required window and meaning Mkhwanazi, who is being held in custody, was not brought to court on Tuesday.

Court response and next steps

According to IOL, with Mkhwanazi absent the court placed the administrative failure on record and stayed the arrest warrant that had been issued after he failed to appear.

The defence sought an extension of bail for both Mkhwanazi and co-accused Kagiso Lerutla until their next scheduled appearance on 3 November. According to IOL, the court granted that request and ordered the warrant against Mkhwanazi remain stayed until then, pending his appearance.

Charges and related matters

According to IOL, the matter relates to allegations that Mkhwanazi and Lerutla were involved in a 2019 court-impersonation scheme. They face charges including fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

According to IOL, Mkhwanazi remains on bail in this matter but also faces four other cases, including one in which bail was denied.

About the source

According to IOL, IOL is one of South Africa’s leading news and information websites bringing millions of readers breaking news and updates on politics, current affairs, business and other topics.