Verdict in the murder of EFF’s Koketso Mojatau welcomed

Share the Article:

The Economic Freedom Fighters in Gauteng says it welcomes the guilt verdict in the case of its slain Ekurhuleni fighter Koketso Mojatau handed by the Gauteng High Court on Monday.

Mojatau was brutally murdered in April 2023 during a hijacking incident.

In a statement issued, the National Prosecuting Authority(NPA) Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said Simon Mahuse, 28, and Frans Ntshumayelo, 29, were found guilty of murder, attempted murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

“The accused were arrested after members of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) received a tip-off from members of the community. The tip-off led the EMPD to an address in Phumula.

“Upon arrival at the address, the police received further information about members of the family who were on a robbing spree and certain suspicious items were found at the house.

“The police called for backup in anticipation of the group coming back. Later in the evening four suspects approached the house and were confronted by the police and a shootout ensued.

“One suspect managed to flee, and one was fatally wounded. The two remaining suspects were apprehended,” she stated.

Mjonondwane highlighted that Mojatau’s killers were convicted for a series of violent crimes that were committed between January and April 2023.

She continued; “The evidence presented in court showed the accused robbed their victims at gun point, and in some instance, killed their victims, as in the case of Koketso.

“While this verdict will never fill the painful void caused by Koketso’s departure, we see it as a moment of relief for those who lost a partner, father, family member, friend, and a comrade at the hands of these heartless criminals,” provincial chairperson Nkululeko Dunga remarked.

He further commended the courageous and meticulous work of the members of the EMPD, SAPS, and the local anti-crime unit, Thatha Zonke, for their swift response, pursuit, and apprehension of these criminals within hours of the incident.

ALSO READ | Calls to unseat Joburg mayor intensify

He added; “We also commend their effort in conducting a successful investigation to secure conviction. This collaboration and vigilance are crucial in our communities’ fight against crime.

“The EFF Gauteng acknowledges this effort, considering that the majority of recorded crime cases remain unresolved, with only less than 40% of investigations resulting in successful prosecutions, and Gauteng province maintaining a notorious reputation for high murder rates.”

The high court is scheduled to deliver the sentence on September 25.