The suspects also face charges of robbery and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
Two individuals have been implicated in the murder of their Zimbabwean accomplice, following their initial arrest in connection with the killing of a police officer during an armed robbery incident in Mabopane, Gauteng.
Identified as Joseph Mjozi Makhubele and Bongani Wilson Mabena, the suspects were formally charged by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, on 18 December.
Mabopane armed robbery sees cop killed
The two suspects, Makhubele and Mabena, were linked to an armed robbery incident that resulted in the tragic murder of a police officer in 2022.
According to the Hawks, Sergeant TP Losaba, an off-duty officer, and his girlfriend fell victim to an ambush by three armed suspects upon their arrival at their residence in Mabopane, located north of Pretoria.
The harrowing incident transpired during the night of the attack, as the suspects forcibly entered the house and encountered other family members, demanding valuables and subsequently confining the victims to a toilet.
During the confrontation, Sergeant Losaba retrieved his service pistol and engaged in a shootout with the suspects, leading to the demise of one suspect, later identified as Chris Mazeti, a Zimbabwean national.
Tragically, Sergeant Losaba was fatally shot by another suspect during the exchange of gunfire.
Mabopane armed robbery suspects charged
Following their arrests, Makhubele and Mabena made their initial court appearance at the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on charges related to Sergeant Losaba’s murder.
Hawks spokesperson Lloyd Ramovha confirmed that the suspects have now been additionally charged in connection with the killing of Chris Mazeti.
Aside from the murder charges, Makhubele and Mabena are also facing allegations of robbery as well as possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
The case has been adjourned until 16 January 2025 for a scheduled high court date and court case number.
Hawks officer arrested for wife’s murder
In a separate incident, a Hawks warrant officer has been taken into custody for the murder of his wife following a domestic dispute.
Reportedly, Monwabisi Patrick Nyamanda engaged in a heated argument with his wife at their residence in Khayamnandi, Stellenbosch, on 21 December.
During the altercation, Nyamanda allegedly pursued his wife as she attempted to flee the house, firing multiple shots in the process.
Tragically, the wife sought refuge in a neighbor’s residence, where Nyamanda continued his assault and ultimately caused her demise in the presence of witnesses.
The incident was promptly reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), resulting in the officer’s arrest.
