By Mapaballo Borotho
- Kagiso Lerutla has been implicated in a fatal 2021 crash and a missing docket, according to court proceedings.
- The State says a culpable homicide case was withdrawn after key evidence disappeared, while Lerutla denies any interference.
- The matter has sparked political outrage, with calls for his immediate suspension as investigations continue.
Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla has now been implicated in a murder case arising from a May 2021 accident that was allegedly suppressed by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
On Thursday, 23 April 2026, the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court heard that Lerutla was involved in a fatal accident in 2021.
The State said Lerutla collided with another vehicle on the N12, resulting in the death of the driver.
Investigations revealed that two Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department officers attended the scene and arranged for Lerutla to be transported to hospital.
Prosecutor Nceba Ntelwa told the court that a culpable homicide case was opened at the Bedfordview police station but was later withdrawn in 2023.
The matter was reportedly withdrawn after the docket containing key information went missing.
Through his lawyers, Lerutla has denied any involvement in the disappearance of the fatal accident docket. He says the allegation that he interfered with the investigation is false.
Lerutla and suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi are applying for bail at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.
They were arrested in connection with Lerutla’s 2019 traffic case and are facing several charges, including obstruction of justice.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance in Ekurhuleni has described the emerging information as “disgusting.”
“In light of this new evidence, we reiterate our call for the immediate and precautionary suspension of the City Manager to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations,” the party said in a statement.
This is a developing story…
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