Akhona Zamxaka, 28, appeared in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court after he was accused of killing a police officer in the Eastern Cape.
His court appearance follows his arrest by the Gqeberha Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks during the early hours of Tuesday.
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson, Warrant-Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said it is claimed that on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at around 11.15 pm, a police constable named Lwando Msezeni, 26, stationed at Kwazakhele South African Police Service, was walking with his partner along Somfula Street Kwazakhele in Gqeberha.
During the time, the pair was apparently coming from the neighbourhood tavern, and they were followed by two unknown individuals wearing balaclavas.
“Subsequently, while the pair was on the aforesaid street, was allegedly confronted by the suspects and the officer was stabbed in the neck, his cell phone taken then the suspect fled the scene on foot.
“The police member succumbed to the stab wound and was declared deceased on the scene. A police murder case was handed over to the Hawks for intensive investigation,” said Mhlakuvana.
A thorough investigation by the Hawks a few weeks later resulted in the suspect's capture on October 15, 2024, in the Zwide neighbourhood of Gqeberha.
Zamxaka went before the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on October 16, 2024, and the case was remanded to October 23, 2024, for legal counsel. He is remanded into jail. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
IOL