By Staff Reporter
news@alexreporter.co.za
Five (5) accused, Ncedolwethu Dayimane (34), Mqondisi Ngqu (21), Phakamile Emmanuel Mathabela (35), Masello Rapetswa (33) and Onele Mdleleni (21) have appeared before the Johannesburg regional court on Monday, 17 March 2025 for the murder of a Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer Judith Makwela.
Makwela was shot and killed outside her home on 07 March 2025 in Lombardy East, Johannesburg. The off duty officer was fatally wounded when three unknown men approached her while standing outside her home with her sister and started shooting at Makwela, subsequently wounding her son and a bystander during the shooting. The officer and the son were rushed to hospital where Judith Makwela succumbed to her injuries.
On Saturday, 15 March 2025, information was received about possible whereabouts of the alleged suspects. Members from the Hawks’ Johannesburg based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, JMPD TRU, JMPD K9 Dog unit, ADC Security Services and BPC FNB Investigators followed up on information which led them to an identified house in Lombardy East, Johannesburg.
On arrival, the officers found an old lady, (the owner of the house) and (04) suspects. During questioning, one suspect Ncedolwethu Dayimani confessed to the murder and revealed to officers that the murder weapons were at his girlfriend’s home.
When officers arrived at the girlfriends residence, Masello Rapetswa, the girlfriend was found. Members introduced themselves and the reason for their visit, Masello Rapetswa confirmed that indeed the firearms were in her possession and were brought to her by the boyfriend’s younger brother, Onele Mdleleni in a brown bag. All (05) suspects were arrested and (2) firearms, ammunition, (2) pangas, an axe, (3) spears, a small safe and a white NP200 bakkie were seized.
The quintuple made their first appearance before the Johannesburg Regional Court on Monday, 17 March 2025 where the matter was postponed to Wednesday, 19 March 2025.
Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has commended the multi-disciplinary team for their dedication and swiftly tackling and apprehending the perpetrators.
