The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has reached a verdict, finding two men culpable for the murder of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councilor Koketso Mojatau. Mojatau, aged 42, along with his friend Siboniso Sokhele, fell victim to a hijacking incident in April 2023. The crime took place in Phumula, and their vehicle was later discovered abandoned at Nguni Hostel in Vosloorus.
Simon Mahuse, 28, and his accomplice Frans Ntshumayelo, 29, have been convicted on multiple charges, including two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, four counts of aggravated robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the arrests were facilitated after the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) received information from community members. Acting on a tip-off, EMPD officials raided a residence in Phumula, where they discovered incriminating evidence linking the suspects to the crimes.
“Upon arrival, police were alerted to the presence of family members engaged in criminal activities, leading to the discovery of suspicious items at the premises,” Mjonondwane explained. “Police prepared for the suspects’ return, resulting in a confrontation later that evening. During the ensuing shootout, one suspect fled, another was fatally wounded, and the remaining two were apprehended.”
Mjonondwane disclosed that during the arrest, police recovered firearms and personal belongings belonging to Mojatau, which served as crucial evidence in the court proceedings.
“The prosecution presented compelling evidence demonstrating that the accused systematically targeted unsuspecting victims, employing firearms to facilitate their crimes,” Mjonondwane stated. “Witness testimonies detailed how the defendants confronted their victims at gunpoint, stealing vehicles, cellphones, and other personal effects. In one tragic instance, a victim attempted to defend herself but was fatally shot and robbed of her firearm.”
Despite pleading guilty, the defendants were unable to refute the overwhelming evidence presented by the State, which included fingerprint matches, items recovered from the crime scene, chronological timelines, and consistent criminal patterns. Mjonondwane concluded by noting that sentencing for Mahuse and Ntshumayelo is scheduled for September 25.
In other news – Hillary Makaya celebrates her birthday
Model Hillary Makaya, recently in the spotlight following her traditional wedding pictures that went viral, is marking her 23rd birthday today amidst speculation about her age. Her husband, who reportedly paid a hefty lobola of 40,000 USD for her hand in marriage, has further fueled public interest in her life.
Despite celebrating a milestone birthday, questions linger regarding Makaya’s age, with skepticism from some quarters doubting she is as young as claimed. Nevertheless, Makaya took to her Instagram to share joyous moments from her birthday celebration, captioning her post with enthusiasm and gratitude. Read More
