5 in court over VIP police officer’s murder

Five people, accused of murdering a police officer in Winterveld in 2018, appeared in court again on Monday facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, Pretoria Rekord reports.

The case, which appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa magistrate’s court, was postponed to 7 October for further investigations and bail application.

Mamokete Getrude Mashimbye (41), Margret Khumalo (38), Jan Chauke (28), Nicholas Malope (35) and William Maluleka (32) are accused of the 2018 murder of Sergeant Thomas Mashimbye, the husband of one of the accused.

They were arrested on Saturday morning at Mogogelo, Winterveldt.

The arrest was made by the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and other law enforcement agencies.

NPA Mmabatho Division Regional spokesperson Henry Mamothame said Mashimbye was allegedly attacked by three armed assailants while asleep at his home with his wife and two children.

“He died after he was shot several times. His wife and children were not harmed.”

Mamothame said the assailants stole some household items and cash before fleeing the scene.

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said Mashimbye had marital problems.

“He had reported a domestic violence crime against her in December 2017. The pair were in the middle of a divorce.”

Mulaozi said Mashimbye’s wife allegedly conspired with one of her family members, Khumalo and her boyfriend Chauke to hire assassins.

“Khumalo and Chauke are accused of hiring Malope and Maluleka from Mmotla Village to kill Mashimbye and promised them R100 000.

“Chauke allegedly drove Malope, Maluleka and another wanted suspect to the deceased’s home in February 2018.

“All entrances to the house were left unlocked from the main and back gates and all the house doors were open for a simple intrusion.”

Malaodzi said Loate police were summoned immediately and while they were busy processing the scene, Khumalo allegedly came and forced her way through the police cordon to find out what was going on.

“The purpose was to inform the alleged hitmen of the police findings at the crime scene.

“The case was investigated by detectives and was recently referred to the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation. They succeeded to arrest the five suspects on Saturday morning with the assistance of the TRT, Ekurhuleni Metro Police and Gauteng SAPS Provincial Investigative Unit.”