Identities of suspects linked to murders of LEAP officers, released

Western Cape police has released the identities of suspects who are allegedly linked to a triple murder in Old Crossroads in Nyanga during May 2023 ,where one of the victims was a Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer as well as the death of another LEAP officer who was shot during the taxi violence protest in August 2023.

In the first incident, three men were killed while they were sitting in the car in May 2023. One of those murdered was an off duty LEAP officer, 25-year-old Siphelo Magwa.

During the second incident, in August 2023, 33-year-old Zanikaya Kwinana, who was also a LEAP officer, and his colleagues were patrolling in a Law Enforcement vehicle when they came under attack during the taxi violence protest in Nyanga. Kwinana sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his head during the incident. The City of Cape Town has offered a reward of R1.35 million, for anyone with information regarding this incident, that will lead to a successful arrest.

The police’s Malcolm Pojie says warrants for their arrests have been issued by the court. He appealed to the community not to approach the suspects as they are regarded as armed and dangerous.

‘’Detectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigation Unit are hard at work in collaboration with the City of Cape Town’s investigative unit to trace and apprehend the wanted suspects,’’ said Lt Col Malcolm Pojie.

PHOTO - SAPS: WANTED SUSPECTS LINKED TO MURDERS OF LEAP OFFICERS

The City of Cape Town has welcomed the move by SAPS, and appeals to the public to come forward if they have information about the suspects' whereabouts.

‘’The loved ones and colleagues of the victims remain devastated by their deaths, and bringing the killers to justice remains a priority. We urge anyone with information to please come forward so that those responsible for these callous attacks can be brought to book,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security.

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, said the release of the photo’s of the suspects is a significant development.

‘’It is vital that there is justice for these officers that were killed at the hands of scrupulous individuals and that the families and loved ones are able to find closure. We cannot allow the death of these officers, who has served and protected us, to go unresolved and unpunished.’’

Police appealed to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects, to establish contact with the investigating officers, Col Mtheto Mxabaniso on 082 339 7329 or Capt Lukhanyo Magathla on 082 411 3245. Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on 08600 10111 or the mobile application My SAPS can be used. Callers may remain anonymous.

The public can also call the City's toll-free tip-off line number on 0800 110077 or Deputy Law Enforcement Chief, Johannes Brand on 082 860 5139.

 

Done By: Mitchum George