Councillor seeks justice for slain LEAP officer brother

Langa Ward Councillor Lwazi Pakade has made an impassioned call for justice following the brutal murder of his younger brother, LEAP Officer Yonke Pakade.

Yonke Pakade, who was off-duty on Sunday, was fatally stabbed by three men in the Marikana informal settlement before they stole his vehicle, leaving him for dead.

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Lwazi Pakade attended proceedings at the Athlone Magistrates Court today, where the three accused made their first appearance. The councillor expressed his hope that his brother's death "is not in vain."

The accused Asavela Ndamase, Thandalwethu Toto, and Asemahle Pama made a brief appearance in court today for Pakade's murder, which occurred in the Marikana informal settlement over the weekend. They also face kidnapping charges after two women were reportedly found in Yonke Pakade's stolen car.

Speaking outside the court, Lwazi mourned his brother's murder and demanded accountability:

"We do hope that now that the suspects have been arrested, we are going to get justice and he is going to get the justice that he deserves because he was a dedicated law enforcement officer."

The matter has been postponed to October 21 to allow the state time to obtain further details in preparation for a bail hearing.