By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 July 2025- Two police officers, Sergeant Piet Matsoso (38) and Sergeant Siyabonga Kunene (31), stationed at Evaton Police Station, appeared in the Sebokeng Magistrates’ Court alongside their friend, Hofney Morobe (36). The trio faces charges of murder of police officer Constable Gift Mokoena, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, defeating the ends of justice, and handling a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
It is alleged that on the evening of 16 May 2021, the two police officers were off duty and driving around the Golden Gardens area with Morobe. They spotted a vehicle suspected of involvement in a house robbery and began pursuing it. The car stopped at a nearby BP petrol station, where the accused confronted and allegedly assaulted the four occupants.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said after the assault, they took one of the complainants’ cellphone and car keys from one of the complainants. Mahanjana said Morobe, accompanied by Matsoso and Kunene, allegedly drove the victims around before handing them over to members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF).
“It is further alleged that during this time, Morobe and Mokoena, who had joined the community members, began to assault the victims. In the midst of the assault, Morobe allegedly walked away from the group, took Matsoso’s service firearm from the vehicle, and fatally shot Mokoena.
“The victim was rushed to Nkanyezi Private Hospital in Sebokeng, where he succumbed to his injuries. The accused handed themselves over to Sebokeng Police Station on 30 June 2025,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the bail application, the state did not oppose their release. She added that prosecutor submitted an affidavit by the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Nyongwana, confirming the accused’s cooperation with police, their verified addresses, and their voluntary surrender.
“The affidavit further indicated that the investigation is complete and that the witnesses are not known to the accused people, therefore posing no risk of interference.
“The court granted bail of R1000 each with no additional conditions. The matter was postponed to 4 September 2025 for a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The Guardian 