Three men accused of murdering Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer Yonke Pakade appeared briefly at the Athlone Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
According to EWN, police said they discovered two women concealed in the boot of the vehicle allegedly stolen by the accused during the attack.
The accused – Thandolwethu Toto (21), Asemahle Pama (20) and Asavela Ndamase (20) – face multiple charges, including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, theft and, now, two counts of kidnapping.
A fourth suspect remains at large.
Prosecutor Nurahn Toefy told the court that Pakade (26) was attacked in the Marikana informal settlement.
His girlfriend witnessed the stabbing and reported the incident to police. Officers later found Pakade’s body on Sheffield Road.
The accused fled with Pakade’s car, and when police eventually recovered the vehicle, they found the two women hidden in the boot.
Some of the accused are also facing other pending cases. Their faces were not shown in court to prevent prejudicing the trial.
The matter is scheduled to return to court on 22 October.
Outside the court, JP Smith, City Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security, joined Pakade’s family and fellow law enforcement officers to show support. Smith described the murder as a senseless loss and pledged the city’s continued support while investigators pursue leads.
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Picture: JP Smith / Facebook
