Willem Kruger death: Police launch murder investigation
Police say they are convinced that Kruger and his vehicle were not in the Vaal River where it was later found, when the area was searched after his disappearance.
In a dramatic turn of events, police announced earlier today that there were definite signs of foul play in the death of Willem Kruger in November 2022. A murder investigation has now been opened with police saying they are also considering charges of defeating the ends of justice as well as perjury against certain persons of interest in the case.
Police say they are now convinced that Kruger did not drive himself into the water as initially thought.
In the widely publicised case, Kruger was reported missing after disappearing from a bachelor party at Henbase Lodge in Mpumalanga on November 13, 2022.
A massive search was conducted for Kruger, who lived in Groblersdal, including in the Vaal River next to the lodge. Despite an extensive search of the river, which was in flood at the time, Kruger’s vehicle with his body inside was found in the water nine days after his disappearance on November 22.
An inquest docket was opened.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, said that initial investigation indicated that Kruger’s cellphone and his vehicle’s tracker were off after he disappeared.
Kruger’s father Tiaan approached AfriForum’s private prosecution unit earlier this year to assist with the probe into the circumstances surrounding his son’s death.
In April, the unit announced that the investigation showed no signs of foul play.
However, this morning Mohlala said that police are convinced that Kruger and his white Toyota Hilux bakkie were not in the portion of the Vaal River where it was later found, when it was searched after his disappearance.
At the time, helicopters, drones, sniffer dogs and divers as well as advanced technology such as a sonar scanner were used to search the river. Muddy floodwater because of heavy rainfall impaired visibility in the water.
Mohlala said that the fact that Kruger’s vehicle was found with the gear shifted to park as well as with the handbrake and no keys in the ignition, initially ‘raised eyebrows’ among investigators.
He said that no further details about the investigation will be shared at this stage but that the police are working together with the National Prosecuting Authority on the matter.
Mohlala said massive public interest in the matter prompted police to disclose their latest findings.
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