Three suspects charged with the brutal murder of off-duty Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer Yonke Pakade appeared in Athlone Magistrates Court yesterday, with their case postponed until Tuesday, 21 October, for bail applications.
The 26-year-old officer’s alleged killers face charges of murder, aggravated robbery, two counts of kidnapping, and theft, according to Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila.
Pakade’s brother, Lwazi Pakade, who serves as a ward 51 councillor in Langa, expressed the family’s devastation following the incident.
“We are saddened by the death of Yonke. His death left a huge void in our hearts,” said Lwazi Pakade. “Yonke was dedicated to his work. However, we are happy with the quick reaction of the officers to arrest the perpetrators. We want the perpetrators to rot in jail.”
The family had high expectations for the young officer, whose death has left them reeling from the loss.
A memorial service for Pakade is tentatively planned for Friday, October 17, though the venue has not yet been confirmed. The officer will be laid to rest in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, on Saturday, October 25.
