Two more arrested for murder of LEAP officer in Old Crossroads

The case against two more suspects, in connection with a triple murder which claimed the life of a LEAP officer and two others in Old Crossroads during May last year, are expected to appear in court on Tuesday. They were initially expected to appear in Athlone Magistrates court on Monday, but National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila, said it has been postponed a day later, without citing the reason.

PICTURE: Pixabay

24-year-old LEAP officer, Siphelo Magwa, was sitting in a vehicle with his brother and one other person at the time, when the officer, who was off duty at the time, was shot and killed in Sonwabile Drive in Old Crossroads.

The police’s FC van Wyk said the duo were arrested on Friday.

‘’On Friday, 2024-02-09, police acted on information received from Crime intelligence that one of the outstanding suspects was at a medical facility in Crossroads. They acted on the information, and found the suspect who was then apprehended,’’ said Captain Frederick van Wyk.

‘’Further investigation led the team to a residence in Mitchells Plain where another suspect was found. The investigation continues,’’ he added.

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, welcomed the arrest.

‘’I would like those that might have further information about this matter to make it available to SAPS so its investigators provide prosecutors with a watertight file that cannot be disputed in court.’’

‘’I urge the judge to deny bail, should it be applied for. I also encourage our courts to consider adding charges as an attack of any law enforcement officer, should be regarded an attack on the state. I hope this brings a measure of further comfort to the deceased,’’ added Allen.

Mayco Member for Sadfety & Security, JP Smith, lauded officers for their swift arrest.

‘’I promised Officer Magwa's family and his colleagues within the directorate, that we would do our utmost to bring his killers to justice. An injury to one is an injury to all, and while we do our best to hold the line, when their attack is turned directly on our officers, we cannot back down or cower under their threat of violence. I vowed we would "leave no stone unturned."

‘’Our Colleagues from the City of Cape Town worked closely with SAPS, which saw 3 suspects identified during the course of last year. With two in custody, and one succumbing to his injuries sustained during a shootout, whilst trying to apprehend him, two more wanted suspects were still at large.’’

‘’I am appreciative of the hard work and dedication put in by all the members involved and while nothing can bring back the life of Officer Magwa, this must send a strong message to those who threaten anyone of us trying to hold the line. We will not rest or give up hunting you down,’’ added JP Smith, MMC for Safety & Security.

 

Done by: Mitchum George