SEBOKENG – Two police constables appeared in the Sebokeng Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday in connection with the murder of fellow officer Constable Gift Mokoena, who was fatally shot in May 2021.

Constables Piet Matsoso (38) and Siyabonga Kunene (31), both stationed at Evaton Police Station, and their friend Hofney Morobe (36), face multiple charges, including murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, defeating the ends of justice, and handling a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

According to information provided by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on the night of 16 May 2021 in the Golden Gardens area. Matsoso and Kunene were off duty and driving with Morobe when they pursued a vehicle suspected of involvement in a house robbery.

The vehicle stopped at a BP petrol station, where the accused allegedly assaulted the four occupants. During the altercation, a cellphone and car keys were reportedly taken from one of the victims.

The trio then allegedly drove the victims around before handing them over to members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF).

While the victims were in the custody of the CPF, Morobe and Mokoena, who had by then joined the group, allegedly continued the assault.

In the course of events, Morobe allegedly fetched Matsoso’s service firearm from a vehicle and shot Mokoena.

The wounded officer was taken to Nkanyezi Private Hospital in Sebokeng, where he died.

The accused surrendered to police on 30 June 2025.

During their bail application, the state did not oppose release, citing their cooperation and the fact that witnesses are unknown to them. Bail was granted at R1,000 each.

The matter was postponed to 4 September 2025 for a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions.