Teenager and 20-year-old charged with murder of off-duty officer in Beaufort West

A 15-year-old boy arrested and charged with the murder of a Beaufort West police officer together with a 20-year-old man, has been placed in juvenile detention centre while they await their formal bail application.

Siyamthanda Mafata, 20 and his co-accused, the minor made an appearance at the Beaufort West Magistrates’ Court on Monday where they are facing charges of murder.

The teenager may not be identified as he is a minor.

The matter was postponed for bail information and the bail application after the teenager was placed into custody at a suitable accommodation for juveniles.

The State is set to prove that the duo stabbed Constable Courlin Lakay, 23, while he was off-duty on August 24.

Police were called to the scene at an entertainment venue in Gaba Road, Kwa-Mandlenkosi in Beaufort West where they found Lakay with stab wounds to his back.

Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, spokesperson for the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (The Hawks) said the two were apprehended following intelligence.

“It is reported that on August 24, members responded to an incident at a place of entertainment at Gaba Road, Kwa-Mandlenkosi in Beaufort West where upon arrival they found the body of the deceased officer with a stab wound on his back,” she explained.

“The accused fled the scene on foot and Constable Lakay was declared dead on the scene.

“A case of murder was reported at Beaufort West police station.

“The case docket was allocated to the Hawks members from George Serious Organised Crime Investigation.

“A proactive response by members of K9 and Crime Intelligence who followed up on positive information led to the arrest of the two accused.”

The Hawks revealed that the matter was postponed following their arrest to find suitable accommodation for the teenager.

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