LEAP officer Yonke Pakade's alleged killers face new charges after women found in stolen car boot

Three men charged with the murder of a Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer face extra counts of kidnapping after police found two women in the boot of the officer's stolen car.

The accused made a brief appearance in the Athlone Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning after being arrested on Sunday.

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The 26-year-old LEAP officer, Yonke Pakade, was allegedly attacked by the accused, who left him for dead in the Marikana informal settlement before stealing his car.

Outside the court, JP Smith, City MAYCO member for Safety and Security, joined Pakade's family and a group of law enforcement officers who came to show their support.

Asavela Ndamase, Thandalwethu Toto, and Asemahle Pama made a brief appearance in Athlone Magistrates Court for Pakade’s murder.

State Prosecutor Nurahn Toefy told the court that Pakade’ girlfriend witnessed him being stabbed by the accused, who then fled with Pakade’s car.

Toefy said Pakade’s girlfriend reported the incident to the police, who found Pakade’s body in Sheffield Road before arresting the accused with the stolen vehicle.

The prosecutor told the court, "Upon searching the vehicle and opening the boot, police then found two females in the boot of the vehicle."

Toefy informed the court that police are still searching for a fourth suspect related to the incident.

The matter will be back in court on October 22.