Suspended Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO Collins Letsoalo has launched an urgent legal challenge in the Gauteng High Court, seeking immediate reinstatement after what he describes as a “politically motivated and irrational” suspension.
Letsoalo was suspended on June 3, 2025, reportedly for insubordination, following his failure to appear before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA). But in court filings, he claims the suspension is merely a smokescreen to derail his anti-corruption drive and sabotage his legacy just weeks before his contract ends on August 6, 2025.
🔍 “A Target for Cleaning House”
Letsoalo alleges that his suspension is retaliation for confronting entrenched corruption within the RAF—specifically legal syndicates that have long exploited the fund’s claims system. His legal team accuses the RAF board of launching a “fishing expedition” to justify ousting a leader who has rattled powerful interests.
“My removal is not about missed meetings—it’s about cleaning up a system that too many have profited from,” Letsoalo stated in his affidavit.
He further warns that his suspension may stall or reverse hard-won progress in restoring accountability and operational stability at the beleaguered state entity.
🛡️ Safety Concerns Amid Leadership Battle
In a striking detail, Letsoalo has also asked the court to reinstate his official security protection, citing credible threats to his life, including a previous physical attack allegedly linked to the taxi industry.
“There are serious risks to my safety stemming from my stance on irregular claims and corrupt networks,” he argued.
Letsoalo suggests that the loss of his security detail following the suspension leaves him dangerously exposed.
⚖️ High-Stakes Court Outcome Ahead
The case places the RAF’s troubled leadership back in the national spotlight, amid ongoing public outcry over the fund’s backlog, mismanagement claims, and strained finances.
If Letsoalo is reinstated, it could reinvigorate anti-corruption reforms within the fund—but if the court upholds the suspension, critics fear it may signal a chilling effect on ethical leadership within state-owned entities.
The Gauteng High Court is expected to rule on the matter in the coming days, with broader implications for public sector governance and whistleblower protection in South Africa.
