The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has welcomed the arrest of a suspect linked to the murder of Lethabo Nkoana.

Nkoana was shot dead during a scuffle which erupted during a political gathering on Saturday, 9 November 2019 at the Temba Stadium in Hammanskraal.

The suspect was arrested on Friday, 15 November 2019 and appeared briefly before the Temba Magistrate Court today.  He was charged with four counts which include murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of unlicensed ammunition and attempted murder.  The case was postponed to the 25 November 2019 for a bail application.

The Committee applauds law enforcement officers who handled the case for their effectiveness and speedy response in tracing the suspect.

The Committee is of the view that violent crimes of such nature should be prioritised and dealt with swiftly to send a strong message that no life will be lost through violence without dire consequences.

Such effectiveness by law enforcement officers is critical in order to bring hope and restore public confidence in our Police.

The Committee is pleased by the dedication and commitment shown by law enforcement officers in Gauteng led by the MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko and the Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela in fighting crime.  There seems to be tangible progress in the fight against crime in the Province to ensure that residents are and feel safe at all times.

The Committee wishes that the arrest of the suspect will bring closure to the Nkoana family knowing that there are Police men and women in the Province who are fully dedicated to building a safer Gauteng for all.

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ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY, HONOURABLE MAPITI MATSENA

For interview requests with the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee please contact: Mr Thebe Khumalo on

011 498 5948 / 072 266 1021 email: TKhumalo@gpl.gov.za

GAUTENG PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE