By Palesa Matlala
• A crash in 2021 left one driver dead, now a missing police docket has forced investigators to rebuild the case from scratch.
• Prosecutors say new evidence and witness claims are expanding the case, with possible extra charges now under consideration against a senior official.
A man died in a crash on the N12 in May 2021. Now the case is under fresh scrutiny after police lost the original docket.
A state affidavit opposing bail has raised concerns about Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla’s past. It links him to the crash and to events at the scene.
The affidavit, presented in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, says Lerutla was driving a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. It allegedly collided with a Hyundai.
The Hyundai driver died at the scene.
A tow truck driver is expected to testify that someone offered him R10,000. The money was allegedly to remove the body before officials arrived.
The state says this raises questions about possible interference at the scene.
The original culpable homicide docket was withdrawn in August 2023. It later went missing from South African Police Service storage.
Prosecutors say they are rebuilding the file. They say the process has uncovered inconsistencies and new leads.
Investigators say the case is no longer closed. It is now an active criminal investigation with possible additional charges.
In a separate matter, Lerutla and suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi appeared in court. The case relates to a 2019 incident.
The state claims Lerutla arranged for a paid impersonator to appear in court for him. The impersonator allegedly completed legal documents using his details.
Prosecutors say the scheme involved payments of up to R400,000.
Lerutla has not responded publicly to the claims. The court will continue hearing arguments.
Pictured above: Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager Kagiso Lerutla.
Image source: X
