Honeydew police officers being investigated for murder
The members of the police were dismissed or given warnings but then reinstated later.
Six members of the police working at Honeydew Police Station are facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice after allegedly torturing a man to death in a holding cell in 2019.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) national spokesperson, Robbie Raburabu said the members were dismissed or given warnings but were reinstated to the police after they were successful in their arbitration process.
Their trial started at the Johannesburg High Court on August 1 and runs until August 31.
They are constables Rhudzani Ernest Marumo (40), Thabang Gerald Makgotho (29), Mpho Tshikoshi (34), Zanele Bridgette Twala (36), Moloko Mack Morudu (53) and Warrant Officer Mathlodi Catherine Mathibe (51).
“The aforementioned police officers are alleged to have tortured and assaulted a 39-year-old Thando Gazu until he died in the Honeydew police cells on October 19, 2019,” Raburabu said.
“The incident is said to have happened following the deceased’s arrest for alleged interference in the police while executing their official duties. It was further said that the deceased was trying to intervene when the police were arresting his friend… following the bumper bashing incident by the deceased himself on the pavement. Both the deceased and his friend were arrested and taken to the Honeydew Police Station where they were allegedly tortured and assaulted until Gazu collapsed and died.”
During the disciplinary proceedings in December 2021, Marumo, Twala, Makgotho and Tshikoshi were dismissed from the police service, while Mathibe was given a final written warning and Morudu a written warning.
Questions were sent to Gauteng Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo on August 23 as to whether Gauteng Police condoned similar behaviour because the officers had been reinstated. His comments will be published when they are made.
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