Benoni SAPS detective Sergeant Gabanthate Kau has been praised by Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole for her meticulous investigation that secured a life sentence for a man convicted of murdering his brother, David Masemola, and attempting to murder his nephew.

Sithole said her investigation resulted in the successful prosecution of the accused, Simon Masemola.

Masemola was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on July 14 after being found guilty of murder and attempted murder.

The incident occurred in the early hours of April 5, 2024, at Lindelani informal settlement in Benoni.

According to Ekurhuleni SAPS spokesperson Neldah Sekgobela, Masemola arrived at his older brother’s home at about 01:30. Finding the gate locked, he jumped over it before waking David up and demanding food.

David told him to wait until morning, after which Masemola allegedly armed himself with an axe and repeatedly struck his brother.

Also Read: #Etwatwa SAPS: Niece demands justice for slain uncle

David’s nephew, who had been sleeping in an outside shack, woke up and tried to intervene but was also attacked by his uncle. He managed to flee and sought help from David’s son, who lived in Kingsway.

When the pair returned to the house, they found Masemola still holding the axe while the victim lay bleeding from injuries to his upper body.

Police said the accused threatened to kill them if they entered the property.

Officers were called to the scene, and David was rushed to OR Tambo Memorial Hospital. He succumbed to head injuries about a month later.

Masemola was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder.

The case was assigned to Sergeant Kau, whose investigation ultimately led to the successful conviction and sentencing of the accused.

Praising the detective’s efforts, Sithole said Kau’s dedication and professionalism ensured a dangerous offender was removed from society and brought to justice.

Also Read: Community accuses Etwatwa SAPS of policing failures