Taxi association in eMbalenhle demands transfer of officer linked to murder case

The Vukanini Taxi Association (Vukta) has called for the immediate transfer of Constable Gert Lebitsi from the eMbalenhle Police Station, citing concerns over the integrity of ongoing investigations into the murder of local taxi boss Fannie Khumalo.

Members of Vukta marched to the eMbalenhle Police Station on October 29 and handed over a memorandum to the station commander, Colonel Khuselwa Matrose.

The association demanded that Lebitsi be transferred to a station outside the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM), pending the outcome of both his criminal case and the Delmas High Court trial of three suspects charged with Khumalo’s murder.

Khumalo was gunned down outside his home in November 2021 while preparing his minibuses for the day’s work. Four armed men allegedly ambushed him, firing seven shots that claimed his life.

The Secunda Murder and Robbery Unit arrested Lebitsi in September and charged him with two counts of defeating the ends of justice, theft, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was released on bail of R4 000 on October 2.

During court proceedings on September 30, investigating officer Sergeant Sabelo Zwane testified that Lebitsi allegedly possessed an R5 rifle believed to be linked to Khumalo’s assassination.

The firearm has not been recovered. Delivering the memorandum, Vukta secretary Aron Mahlangu said their demand stems from the seriousness of the charges against the officer.

“Lebitsi has been formally charged in connection with the taking of a firearm allegedly used to murder our member, the late Khumalo; yet he continues to perform his duties at the same police station. This situation has caused grave concern among our members and the community,” Mahlangu said.

He added that Lebitsi’s continued presence at the station undermines public trust in the police and could compromise ongoing investigations.

Mahlangu alleged that Lebitsi once made a Facebook post suggesting that a taxi boss would be murdered – and the following day, a taxi boss was indeed killed in Nelspruit.

Vukta’s memorandum cites Section 195(1)(a)-(b) of the South African Constitution, which requires a high standard of professional ethics and accountability in public administration, as well as the SAPS Discipline Regulations of 2016, which call for conduct that upholds the integrity of the police service.

“Retaining Lebitsi at eMbalenhle Police Station jeopardises the credibility of SAPS operations, particularly since the firearm used in Khumalo’s murder that remains missing was allegedly taken by the officer,” Mahlangu said.

ALSO READ: Hawks clean up drug lab site in Volksrust

The association’s key demands include:
• The immediate transfer of Lebitsi to a police station outside the GMM, pending the conclusion of all related court cases
• That the transfer be executed in accordance with SAPS internal processes, disciplinary regulations, and principles of administrative fairness.
• That the matter be escalated to the Mpumalanga provincial commissioner and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for oversight.
• That the station commander provide a written response within seven working days outlining steps to address their concerns.

Mahlangu emphasised that their association respects the law and supports SAPS in maintaining peace and justice, but insists that Lebitsi’s continued deployment in eMbalenhle is untenable and contrary to public interest.

“His transfer would help restore public confidence and protect the integrity of the investigation into Khumalo’s murder. We urge that this matter be treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” he concluded.

ALSO READ: Campus launches garden initiative in Standerton