The killers of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Koketso Majatau, have been found guilty. Majatau was the EFF councillor in the city of Ekurhuleni when he was murdered in April last year. Simon Mahuse (28) and his co-accused, Frans Ntshumayelo (29) from Phomola in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, were found guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

COPS ACTED ON A TIP OFF

Mahuse and Ntshumayelo were also found guilty of four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by the High Court of South Africa in Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, yesterday. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindile Mjonondwane, said 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 Phomola. Upon arrival at the address, the police received further information about members of the family who were on a robbery 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 said.

THEY WERE INVOLVED IN SERIES OF VIOLENT CRIMES 

Mjonondwane said the guilty verdict follows a diligent investigation by the police, which revealed that the accused were responsible for Majatau's murder. "The accused are also involved in a series of violent crimes that were committed between January and April 2023. The evidence presented in court showed that the accused targeted unsuspecting victims, using firearms to rob and murder them. The court heard how the accused accosted their victims at gunpoint, stealing their vehicles, cellphones and other personal belongings. In one instance, one complainant fought back, firing several shots at the accused, but was tragically shot and robbed of her firearm," she said. Mjonondwane said that the police recovered the stolen vehicle, firearms and other personal items belonging to Majatau and arrested the accused after a shootout on 23 April 2023. 

OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE

According to Mjonondwane, senior state prosecutor Matthews Rampyapedi presented overwhelming evidence that proved the pair's guilt beyond any reasonable doubt. "He further submitted that all the crimes were committed at night, and none of the complainants or witnesses were able to identify them. The state relied on fingerprint evidence, items found in the car, timelines in between the events and the modus operandi. The court denounced the accused's modus operandi, highlighting the brutality and premeditation of their crimes and their total disregard for the privacy and lives of innocent citizens," she said. The accused will be sentenced on 25 September.