Four Suspects To Appear In Court For Murder Of LEAP Officer Yonke Pakade

Four suspects accused of murdering a Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer are set to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

The case has drawn widespread attention following the tragic death of 26-year-old Yonke Pakade, who was stabbed during a hijacking in the Marikana informal settlement on Sunday.

City of Cape Town’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, confirmed that he would be joining Pakade’s family in court as they seek justice for the fallen officer.

Officer Yonke Pakade Stabbed During Hijacking Incident

According to Smith, Pakade, who was off duty at the time, was attacked during a hijacking and later succumbed to his injuries. His vehicle was later found abandoned in the same area.

“LEAP officers found Pakade while he was trying to flee from his attackers, but he later succumbed to his injuries in hospital,” Smith said.

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Smith revealed that initially, three suspects had been arrested. However, further investigation led to the arrest of a fourth suspect in Philippi East, where police also recovered a knife believed to be the murder weapon.

“The team arrested another suspect in Philippi East and recovered a knife believed to be the murder weapon. The four suspects are set to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday,” Smith said.

He further urged the State to oppose bail for the accused while the investigation continues.

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