Four suspects have now been arrested for the hijacking and murder of LEAP officer, Yonke Pakade.

Pakade, who was off-duty, was brutally attacked in Philippi East on Sunday.

Following the attack, his colleagues responded to the scene in Sheffield Road, where Pakade’s vehicle was found abandoned.

The 26-year-old was eventually found in the Marikana Informal Settlement, as he had tried to flee his attackers. He had been stabbed multiple times, and his attackers also stoned him.

Sadly, Pakade succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

Following the first arrest shortly after the attack, the Safety and Security Information Systems Management (SSIMS) unit, along with SAPS Organised Crime Unit, LEAP and the Khayelitsha Tactical Response Unit, embarked on a manhunt for the remaining suspects.

The team received a tip-off, which led them to the Covid Informal Settlement, where they arrested two further suspects.

The fourth suspect was nabbed in Philippi East, where officers also recovered a knife believed to be the murder weapon.

The suspects are set to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of murder and hijacking.

The MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, has welcomed the swift arrests and extended his condolences to the family and friends of Pakade.

Smith says the 26-year-old officer was a dedicated LEAP officer.

“I have spoken to the Pakade family, who are grieving the loss of a young man who dedicated his life to fighting crime and improving the lives of his fellow Capetonians. Social media posts, which circulated several months ago, saw him being lauded for assisting victims of a robbery.”

Smith has thanked the officers who assisted with the arrests, which he hopes will bring the Pakade family comfort during this difficult time.

“We also call on the courts to oppose the release of these suspects on bail as the investigation continues. If we cannot protect our officers, they cannot protect the public.”

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