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“A 38-year-old police constable has been arrested in connection with the death of two
people and the attempted murder of three others,” the Independent Police Investigative
Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed this week. The shocking
incident occurred on September 30, 2023, when Constable Checha Doctor Makau
allegedly opened fire on a car full of people near his home.
Tragically, Dineo Kekane and Ricardo Phenganane, both 24, were killed by the
gunshots. Three others – Mbali Magakwe, Ivans Lekala, and Goodwill Mdluli, all 24 –
were seriously injured but survived the attack.
Makau, who was stationed at Ogies Detectives, was arrested and charged with two
counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. He made his first court
appearance on Monday, where the case was postponed to March 4th for a formal bail
application. Makau has been remanded in custody for now.
This chilling incident comes just a month after another police officer was arrested for
allegedly murdering her husband. In that case, a 44-year-old sergeant shot her 40-year-
old husband four times, resulting in his death.
As Shuping described, “It is alleged there was a commotion between the police officer
and her husband’ just after midnight on January 28th.” The husband had apparently
taken the officer’s service weapon during an argument before she wrestled it back and
opened fire.
While the details remain murky, these two horrifying cases point to a disturbing trend of
police officers misusing their firearms with deadly consequences. Oversight and
accountability will be critical as the facts emerge in both investigations. For now, two
families are mourning lost loved ones in unfathomable circumstances.