Four suspects, charged with murder, were denied bail by the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on October 24.
Fanukwenza Lushaba (33), Lindokuhle Lushaba (31), Thokozani Lushaba (26) and Sibusiso Mtshali (26) are charged with murder following a shooting at a restaurant at the Shell Ultra City petrol station off the N2 highway in Denver.
Cleveland SAPS spokesperson Capt Johan Jordaan said Sgt William Mulokwe from the SAPS Crime Intelligence division was killed after he was struck by a stray bullet while at the restaurant with his family on October 5.
Jordaan said it is unclear whether Mulokwe was off-duty at the time of the incident, despite being in civilian clothing.
Also read: Police officer shot dead as he intervened in a robbery
“Preliminary investigations indicate the four suspects were embroiled in a planned hit on a rival taxi driver, that went wrong,” said Jordaan.
“Mulokwe was hit by a stray bullet, while a woman, who was also inside the restaurant, sustained injuries. She was rushed to hospital for medical treatment.”
The four were apprehended on October 17 after an intense manhunt and investigations by the Gauteng Provincial Organised Crime Unit.
“This case will be thoroughly investigated and they will be brought to book,” added Jordaan.
“The provincial investigation team went the extra mile to ensure the quick arrest of the suspects.
Also read: Police officer killed by stray bullet in Cleveland
“The SAPS condemns such gruesome crimes and will do everything in its power to ensure the suspects are brought to book.”
The suspects have been remanded in custody at the Johannesburg Central Prison pending their next court appearance.
