Community helps apprehend EFF councillor killer

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Community whistle blowing led to a successful arrest of suspects who had been on police radar for over year in connection various  crimes including the murder of an EFF councilor.

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana said that members of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) received a tip-off from members of the community. The tip-off led the EMPD to an address in Phumula. Upon arrival at the address, the police received further information about members of the family who were on a robbing spree and certain suspicious items were found at the house.

The police called for backup in anticipation of the group coming back. Later in the evening four suspects approached the house and were confronted by the police and a shootout ensued. One suspect managed to flee, and one was fatally wounded. The two remaining suspects were apprehended.

They were successfully linked to the murder of Koketso Mojatau, the EFF councillor in the City of Ekurhuleni, and Siboniso Sokhele in April 2023 following a thorough investigation.

They were convicted for a series of violent crimes that were committed between January and April 2023. The evidence presented in court showed that the accused targeted unsuspecting victims, using firearms to rob and murder them.

“The court heard how the accused accosted their victims at gunpoint, stealing their vehicles, cellphones and other personal belongings. In one instance, one complainant fought back, firing several shots at the accused, but was tragically shot and robbed of her firearm.”

Stolen properties including that belonging to Mojatau was confiscated.

The duo, Simon Mahuse (28) and his co-accused Frans Ntshumayelo (29) were found guilty of multiple charges, including two counts murder, three counts of attempted murder, four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The court denounced the accused’s modus operandi, highlighting the brutality and premeditation of their crimes and their total disregard of the privacy and lives of innocent citizens. Sentencing is due on 25 September 2024.