Family of slain LEAP officer Lyle Thomas demands justice amid ongoing delays
LEAP officer Lyle Thomas (20) was killed after being struck by a vehicle while assisting at an accident scene on Jakes Gerwel Drive.
Image: Supplied
A call for justice has been made in the case relating to the death of Bonteheuwel LEAP officer Lyle Thomas, as delays continue to stall progress, months after his death.
Local ward councillor Angus McKenzie, who attended proceedings at the Philippi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning, said the matter was postponed to June 24, with the accused’s bail extended.
McKenzie urged the National Prosecuting Authority to expedite outstanding processes, warning that continued delays are denying the Thomas family justice.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. This family has already endured immense pain, and every delay only deepens that trauma,” he said.
He said delays in finalising the post-mortem report remain a key issue in the case, raising concerns about the pace of the investigation.
“It is unacceptable that nearly six months later, key forensic processes are still outstanding. The system must move faster so that this matter can proceed and the family can begin to find closure,” McKenzie said.
Thomas, 20, died after being struck by a vehicle while assisting motorists at an accident scene on Jakes Gerwel Drive in December 2025. City of Cape Town officials previously confirmed that he was off duty at the time and had stopped to help when he was struck. The motorist was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, according to earlier reports.
Angus McKenzie joined the family of slain Bonteheuwel LEAP officer Lyle Thomas at the Philippi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where the case was postponed to June 24 amid ongoing delays.
Image: Supplied
His death came amid a spike in alcohol-related crashes during the festive season, with authorities warning that drunk driving remains a leading cause of fatal incidents on Western Cape roads.
His death sent shockwaves through the Bonteheuwel community, where he was known as a committed and selfless LEAP officer who often went beyond the call of duty.
McKenzie said the court expressed frustration at the delays, particularly the outstanding forensic processes that continue to stall progress in the matter.
“The delays we are seeing are deeply concerning. The family deserves answers, and they deserve to see this case move forward without unnecessary obstacles,” he said.
According to McKenzie, the defence agreed to the postponement.
The Thomas family, who attended court, continue to grapple with the emotional toll. The strain has deepened as they await the birth of Thomas’s child in the coming weeks, adding urgency to their calls for the matter to be finalised.
Supporters and community members say repeated postponements are prolonging the family’s trauma and delaying closure, with growing concern that key evidence is taking too long to be processed.
The accused has been warned to return to court on June 24, when the State is expected to provide an update on the outstanding forensic report.