Shocking Police Violence: Two Johannesburg Officers Charged with Murder in Separate Incidents

by Hope Ngobeni

image source

Constable Tau Ledwaba, a member of the Railway Protection and Security Services at Park Station in Johannesburg, was granted R5,000 bail after his brief appearance in the Protea Magistrate Court on Tuesday. Ledwaba is facing a charge of murder following the shooting of a 35-year-old man in Protea Glen, Soweto, on December 26, 2024. According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), Ledwaba allegedly shot the victim, who was reportedly watching a soccer match with his brother, after receiving a call to step outside. Eyewitnesses claim that the caller, identified as Ledwaba, was dressed in full police uniform when the fatal shooting occurred.

The incident unfolded late in the afternoon, around 5 p.m., when the deceased was fatally shot in the chest by Ledwaba. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the officer fled the area in a silver Toyota Etios after the shooting. A bullet and cartridge were recovered from the crime scene, further supporting the claim that the officer used his service weapon in the attack. The victim was declared dead on the spot, and his body was taken to the Diepkloof Mortuary. Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed that Ledwaba had failed to report for his scheduled night duty on the same day, heightening suspicions of foul play.

Ipid has since launched an investigation into the murder, with authorities actively searching for Ledwaba, who is yet to be apprehended. The case was swiftly handed over to Ipid, as per standard procedure for incidents involving police officers, and a murder charge was filed against the constable. The shocking nature of the crime has prompted further scrutiny into the conduct of police officers while on duty, especially given that the accused officer was in uniform at the time of the shooting. Ipid continues to investigate the matter, and Ledwaba remains at large, with the search ongoing.

In a separate but equally disturbing case, Mandla Buthelezi, a 42-year-old police officer stationed at Eldorado Park, appeared in the Protea Magistrate Court on Monday, facing charges of the brutal murder of his 22-year-old girlfriend, Chesnay Patricia Keppler. The incident occurred on December 26, 2024, following a domestic dispute between Buthelezi and Keppler. The officer allegedly shot Keppler, who was a member of the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, and then turned the gun on himself. He survived the self-inflicted wound and was hospitalized before being transferred into police custody at Moroka SAPS.

Ipid has taken over the investigation into the Eldorado Park shooting, and Buthelezi’s case has been postponed to February 26, 2025, while he remains in custody. It was revealed that Buthelezi was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, which reportedly took place around 3 p.m. in Eldorado Park. He had visited his girlfriend at her residence while accompanied by another constable, and the situation quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. Ipid’s spokesperson Suping highlighted the severity of the case, with both Buthelezi’s actions and his alleged intoxication adding complexity to the investigation.

The details of both cases have raised serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers in South Africa, particularly with regard to their involvement in violent crimes. The murder charges against Ledwaba and Buthelezi come at a time when public trust in the police is already strained due to ongoing reports of police brutality and misconduct. The cases underscore the urgent need for thorough oversight and accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly when officers themselves are implicated in violent acts.

These two incidents also highlight the growing need for mental health support and internal checks within the police force, given the disturbing trend of officers resorting to violence in personal and professional situations. As investigations continue, both the families of the victims and the broader public are left grappling with the tragic outcomes of these violent acts, and the justice system is now tasked with holding these officers accountable for their actions. The cases serve as a grim reminder of the critical importance of integrity and responsibility within the ranks of law enforcement.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?
-
00:00
00:00
Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00