Key Takeaways
- Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla is facing a state affidavit that alleges his involvement in a fatal N12 crash in May 2021 and attempts to interfere with the investigation.
- A tow‑truck driver is expected to testify that he was offered R10,000 at the crash scene to remove the deceased driver’s body before officials arrived.
- The original culpable homicide docket (Bedfordview CAS106/05/2021) was withdrawn in August 2023 but has since disappeared from SAPS storage; a reconstructed version is now at an advanced stage.
- Reconstruction of the docket has revealed inconsistencies and new leads, turning the matter from a closed administrative file into an active, expanding criminal probe with possible additional charges.
- In a separate but related case, Lerutla and suspended EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi are accused of arranging a paid impersonator (“Mr X”) to stand in for Lerutla in court in March 2019, part of an alleged scheme involving up to R400,000 in gratification.
- Lerutla has not publicly responded to the latest allegations; the court continues to hear arguments as investigators pursue both the reconstructed docket and the fraud‑related charges.
- The combined inquiries place the senior municipal official under intense scrutiny, with potential legal and professional repercussions pending the outcome of the ongoing hearings.
Overview of the State Affidavit
The affidavit filed by the State at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday outlines serious accusations against Kagiso Lerutla, the City Manager of Ekurhuleni. It claims that Lerutla was driving a black Mercedes‑Benz G‑Wagon when it collided with a Hyundai on the N12 highway in May 2021, resulting in the death of the Hyundai’s driver at the scene. The document forms the basis for the State’s opposition to Lerutla’s bail and seeks to demonstrate a pattern of conduct that warrants continued detention while investigations proceed.
Fatal N12 Crash and Alleged Driving Record
According to the affidavit, Lerutla’s vehicle struck the Hyundai, causing fatal injuries to the Hyundai’s driver who died instantly. The State argues that Lerutla was behind the wheel of the G‑Wagon at the time of the impact, a claim that, if substantiated, would implicate him in culpable homicide. The description of the vehicle and the circumstances of the collision are presented to establish Lerutla’s direct involvement in the tragedy that triggered the initial police investigation.
Alleged Body Removal Offer and Scene Interference
One of the most striking allegations in the affidavit comes from a tow‑truck driver who is expected to testify that he was offered R10,000 at the crash site to remove the deceased’s body before key officials arrived. The State contends that this offer constitutes an attempt to tamper with evidence and obstruct justice by preventing an accurate assessment of the scene. Such interference, if proven, would raise serious concerns about the early handling of the case and suggest a deliberate effort to conceal or alter critical facts.
Missing Police Docket and Its Reconstruction
The affidavit further states that the original culpable homicide docket, registered under Bedfordview CAS106/05/2021, was withdrawn in August 2023 but has since gone missing from SAPS storage. Prosecutors argue that the disappearance of the file has necessitated a parallel investigation into its loss and content. In response, investigators have reconstructed a docket that is now described as being at an advanced stage, aiming to replace the lost record and continue the judicial process.
Re‑examination of Evidence and Expanded Investigation
The reconstruction process has reportedly uncovered inconsistencies within the original case file and generated new leads that have widened the scope of the inquiry. Investigators say that reviving key witness statements and establishing clearer timelines have been central to this effort. Consequently, the matter is no longer being treated as a closed administrative issue; it is now an active and expanding criminal investigation, with prosecutors indicating that additional charges may be considered as the evidence is reassessed.
Parallel Fraud Case and the “Mr X” Impersonation Scheme
In a separate but connected matter, Lerutla and suspended EMPD acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi appeared in court over allegations dating back to March 2019. The State alleges that Lerutla, who was required to appear for a traffic‑related offence, arranged for a paid impersonator known as “Mr X” to stand in for him while he attended a job interview. The impersonator purportedly completed diversion paperwork using Lerutla’s details, effectively allowing Lerutla to evade his court obligation. Prosecutors further claim that this arrangement was part of a broader scheme involving alleged gratification of up to R400,000, suggesting a deliberate attempt to manipulate official processes for personal and professional gain.
Current Judicial Proceedings and Outlook for Lerutla
Lerutla has not yet issued a public response to the latest affidavit allegations. The court is set to continue hearing arguments as investigators push forward on two fronts: the reconstructed docket related to the N12 crash and the broader fraud‑related accusations involving the impersonation scheme. Both lines of inquiry place the senior municipal official under intense scrutiny, and the outcome of the proceedings could have significant legal, professional, and reputational repercussions for Lerutla and the Ekurhuleni administration.