Cape town: Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has condemned the murder of an off-duty Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer whose body was discovered at the weekend.

According to South African Government News Agency, preliminary reports indicate that the 26-year-old officer, Yonke Pakade, and his 30-year-old female colleague were allegedly hijacked in Browns Farm on Saturday evening. The female officer managed to escape and alerted authorities. However, the body of her colleague was later found with stab wounds to the chest in the early hours of Sunday, 12 October 2025. The discovery was made at the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East.

‘I am angered by this senseless act of violence that has claimed the life of a young officer who served our communities with dedication. The loss of any law enforcement officer is not only a personal tragedy, but also a significant setback in our ongoing fight against crime. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of officer Yonke Pakade,’ said Marais on Monday.

The MEC has commended the swift response by LEAP officers, which led to the initial arrest of a 22-year-old suspect believed to be linked to the incident. A team consisting of the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Systems Management Unit, along with the South African Police Service Organised Crime, LEAP and the Khayelitsha Tactical Response Team managed to arrest three more suspects linked to the incident.

‘I thank all law enforcement officers for their collaborative efforts in arresting the suspects. I call on the SAPS to ensure that no effort is spared in bringing the perpetrators to justice.’

Marais has urged the public to come forward with any information that may assist the police in their investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, make use of the MySAPS app or call the City of Cape Town`s tipoff line on 0800 1100 77.