TMPD officer accused of murder remains in custody

Takatso Mashego, a Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer, appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning.

TMPD Constable Mashego, from Mamelodi West, east of Pretoria, was supported by a few of his colleagues who were dressed in their uniforms, along with family and friends, as he appeared in court.

Mashego stands accused of shooting and killing a man in his car while he was driving to work on Friday morning. The incident happened near the Gautrain station in Hatfield, Pretoria. State prosecutor Obed Ledwaba asked the court that the case be postponed to confirm Mashego’s home address.

Mashego’s lawyer Peter Jay argued that his employer should be in possession of his address because, to be employed and to issue a weapon, they had needed to verify his address. He said he was ready to apply for bail, but the court postponed the matter to 13 January.

Jay said his client would be detained at the Kgosi Mampuru II prison.

“His legs were injured as the accused bumped him with his car twice. We are hoping to get the video footage,” said Jay. He also said his client has not yet received any medical treatment for his legs.

Tsakani Oupa Rikhotso (38) had just dropped his partner off at the Sunnypark Shopping Centre in Sunnyside. He was on his way to work at the department of telecommunications when a parking guard directed him to a parking bay just outside his office.

But Rikhotso, who was followed by a Tshwane metro police vehicle, came to a stop when his Toyota Corolla suddenly turned off.

According to information, the metro cop allegedly went to the front of Rikhotso’s car, stood right in front of the windscreen and fired a shot, hitting Rikhotso in the chest.

He was declared dead on the scene.

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