VIDEO: PAC, residents march for answers in Tshepo Mwelase murder case
Community members and PAC supporters marched to the Kwa-Thema Police Station, demanding progress and accountability in the two-year-old murder case of activist Tshepo Mwelase.
Kwa-Thema – Community members and members of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) gathered at Ndaba Tree Park on June 15 before marching to the Kwa-Thema Police Station to demand answers in the murder case of activist Tshepo Mwelase.
Mwelase, who was 44 at the time of his death, was an active PAC member.
He was shot and killed on June 15, 2024, and was found at the corner of Kgaswane and Monyane streets in Kwa-Thema.
Community leaders say the family has received little to no communication about the investigation’s progress. PAC member Thapelo Thobela said the community has waited too long for answers.
“It has been two years without any form of communication from the police,” said Thobela.
“We have visited the police station numerous times only to be told about the Senzo Meyiwa case, which is completely different.
“In that matter, suspects were arrested and released.”
According to Thobela, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been taken in for questioning in relation to Mwelase’s murder.
“We believe there is more than enough evidence to warrant arrests, yet nothing has happened,” he said. We are now demanding answers.”
Thobela said Mwelase had fought for the community on many issues and that his death has created fear among activists.
“We now live in fear. People are afraid to speak out for what is right because they worry they could be killed as well,” he cited.
Another PAC member and community activist, Siphiwe Maphanga, expressed frustration with the investigation and said the family only managed to retrieve Mwelase’s cellphone from the police this year.
“The phone still contains information that could help lead to arrests. We submitted names of possible suspects because I was also threatened alongside Mwelase.
“I believe we were supposed to die together because we received death threats together,” he explained.
Maphanga further alleged that irregularities occurred in the handling of the case.
He claimed Mwelase’s belongings, including his phone and house keys, were not found on him at the crime scene.
“He was searched at the scene and nothing was found on him. We were told his phone was at home,” he mentioned.
“His keys were also not in his pockets, but when the family went to prepare his body at the mortuary, the keys were suddenly there.
“That raises serious questions and creates the impression that there may have been corruption within the station.”
The community marched in solidarity, in search of answers. Community members chanted outside the police station. They further lit candles in honour of Mwelase’s spirit and in light of seeking justice.
Acting station commander Lieutenant Colonel Sipho Lukhele informed community members that the case has been transferred to a new detective as part of a broader intervention aimed at strengthening murder investigations.
“Our district, under the leadership of district commissioner Major General Ann Sithole, has established a specialised task team that will focus exclusively on murder cases.
“The team consists of experienced investigating officers who are suitably qualified to handle cases of this nature.
“All murder cases across Ekurhuleni, including this one, have been assigned to the task team for further investigation,” explained Lukhele.
Lukhele also received the community’s memorandum of demands and assured residents that a formal response would be provided in due course.
“We believe there will be progress in this case because, as the police, we also want to see justice prevail,” he added.
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