Mkhwanazi granted R10,000 bail in Blue Lights Saga

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s (EMPD) deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, has been granted R10,000 bail in the so-called Blue Lights Saga.

Mkhwanazi’s bail application was concluded at the Germiston Magistrates Court on Monday, 14 September 2026.

His co-accused and EMPD fleet manager, Chris Steyn, was granted R10,000 bail on 28 August.

The two EMPD officials and businessman Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala were arrested on 27 August and face charges of fraud and corruption.

Matlala has opted not to apply for bail.

However, Mkhwanazi will remain in custody pending the outcome of a separate bail application relating to his alleged involvement in the murder of Brakpan businessman Emmanuel Mbense.

Judgment in that matter is expected at the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 15 September.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which is investigating the matter, confirmed Mkhwanazi’s bail outcome on Monday.

The arrests form part of an investigation into alleged corruption involving the EMPD.

IPID said the three accused are facing charges of fraud and corruption in the Blue Lights matter.

Mkhwanazi’s continued detention means he will not be released despite being granted bail in the fraud and corruption case, pending the outcome of the separate murder-related bail proceedings.