The family of Mmago Tshimollogo, known as Sandra, is seeking justice following her tragic death in a car accident involving the suspended Ekurhuleni City Manager, Kagiso Lerutla.
Sandra lost her life on May 14, 2021, after her blue Hyundai was reportedly struck by a black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon near Boksburg.
A relative, who wished to remain anonymous, stated to MDN News that the family was taken aback to discover through media reports that Lerutla was allegedly involved in the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the collision were presented to the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court by the prosecution last Thursday.
Lerutla currently faces accusations of corruption, fraud, and attempting to obstruct justice. These charges stem from claims that he employed a paid impersonator to appear for him in court concerning a speeding violation from 2019.
On Tuesday, both Lerutla and his co-defendant, suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief Police Officer Julius Mkhwanazi, were granted bail set at R30,000 each by the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.
“I started connecting the dots when my sister and cousin called to ask if I had heard what happened in court during Julius Mkhwanazi’s case. We realised the incident they were discussing was Sandra’s,” the relative explained.
While arguing for bail, the State opposed the release of Mkhwanazi and Lerutla, presenting new evidence. It was alleged that at approximately 12:10 AM on May 14, 2021, Lerutla was behind the wheel of a black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon traveling eastbound on the N12 when he collided with Sandra’s vehicle.
“I wish Sandra’s memory fights this case until justice prevails. It is painful, and what angers me most is that they hid this information from the family,” the relative expressed.
“Sandra was the breadwinner, and her death devastated us. Her son had to relocate to Limpopo because of a man’s recklessness that night. What troubles us even more is the death of Sandra’s sister, Margaret, who arrived at the scene and found Sandra trapped and dead inside the car. Margaret passed away mysteriously in July 2021, just two months later. We don’t know if it was a heart attack, COVID-19, or if she was poisoned.”
Records from the police obtained by MDN News indicate that on July 27, 2023, the case file was checked out to the Senior Prosecutor in Germiston and returned the same day. Further documentation shows that on August 17, 2023, it was checked out again to the Senior Public Prosecutor before being officially withdrawn on August 28, 2023.
“All we want is justice for Sandra and Margaret. We know it won’t bring them back, but it will send a message that driving under the influence puts everyone at risk,” concluded the relative.
