Len Cloete shooting: After almost three years, no conviction or conclusion of case

Almost three years later, there still has been no justice or conviction after the shooting of Pretoria east bodybuilder and businessman Len Cloete (59).

Cloete was shot in the head during an altercation with police in November 2021, which left him paralysed, wheelchair-bound, brain-damaged and unable to speak properly.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said an outstanding report is the reason for the delay in this case.

To date, no one however has been charged in connection with the shooting.

IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the outstanding report is halting the progress of the case.

“IPID is still awaiting the technical/toxicology report of a powder found in the hotel room of the victim (Cloete) from the forensic laboratory,” said Suping.

She added that the report is an integral part of the investigation.

“There is one report that is still outstanding, and once the investigations are finalised, the docket will be handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision,” Suping concluded.

On the day of the shooting, Cloete was on vacation with his family at Misty Hills Country Hotel in Muldersdrift when he got involved in an altercation with a police officer.

In a video circulated on social media, Cloete is seen forcefully taking a gun from a female officer before another officer approaches and shoots him in the head at point-blank range.

He underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments from his head and because of the brain damage he suffered, is unable to speak and therefore, his side of the story cannot be heard.

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