The family of Yonke Pakade, a 26-year-old Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer who was hijacked and murdered in Philippi, Cape Town, say they are heartbroken and struggling to come to terms with the loss. Pakade, who served with distinction in Cape Town’s law enforcement, was off duty when he was attacked and killed on Sunday, 12 October 2025.
According to police, Pakade and a colleague were travelling through the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi when they were confronted by a group of armed men. The situation quickly escalated into a violent hijacking. While his colleague managed to escape, Yonke Pakade was brutally stabbed by the suspects. His body was later found after his vehicle was abandoned on Sheffield Road.
The senseless killing has sent shockwaves through the local law enforcement community and beyond, prompting widespread outrage and grief. Many have taken to social media and community platforms to demand justice for Yonke Pakade and call for increased protection of officers, even when they are off duty.
Three suspects — Asavela Ndamase, Thandalwethu Toto, and Asemahle Pama — were arrested shortly after the incident. They made a brief appearance at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 14 October 2025. All three are facing serious charges, including murder, robbery, theft, and two counts of kidnapping. The case has been postponed to 21 October to allow further investigation and the possible arrest of a fourth suspect, who remains at large.
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Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, attended the court proceedings along with a contingent of LEAP officers who worked alongside Pakade. Their presence was a show of solidarity and support for the grieving family, who are calling for swift justice in the matter.
Yonke Pakade’s older brother, Lwazi Pakade, who is the ward councillor for Langa, delivered an emotional statement outside the courthouse. Fighting back tears, he described Yonke as the heart of their family — a young man full of promise, courage, and dedication to public service.
“He brought life to the family and was a shining armour to us all. Losing him at such a young age is deeply hurtful to everyone in the family. He was not just my brother — he was a protector, a friend, and a beacon of hope,” said Lwazi Pakade.
He went on to express the family’s devastation at the manner of Yonke’s death, saying the violence was both cruel and senseless. He also called for greater community cooperation in helping the police track down the fourth suspect involved in the attack.
“Someone out there knows who the fourth person is. We urge the public to come forward and help us find justice for Yonke. No family should have to endure this kind of pain,” he added.
The tragedy has also reignited discussions around crime in informal settlements like Marikana in Philippi, where lawlessness and gang activity continue to be major concerns. Community leaders and safety advocates say that while initiatives like LEAP have made a difference in addressing crime, more still needs to be done to create safer environments for residents — and for the officers who serve them.
Yonke Pakade had been part of the LEAP program for several years, working tirelessly to reduce violent crime in some of Cape Town’s most troubled areas. Colleagues have described him as dedicated, disciplined, and always ready to lend a helping hand — both in the field and within his community.
“He was more than just a colleague; he was family,” said one of his fellow officers outside the courtroom. “Yonke was passionate about making a difference. He believed in justice, and he put his life on the line every day to protect others. It is tragic that his life was taken in such a brutal way.”
As the investigation continues, the community of Langa and the greater Cape Town area mourn the loss of a young hero who gave his all in service of others. Memorials and tributes have been planned in the coming days to honour the life and legacy of Yonke Pakade.
Police are urging anyone with information about the fourth suspect or the events leading up to the murder to come forward anonymously through the Crime Stop hotline. Every piece of information could help bring closure to a family torn apart by violence and ensure that those responsible for the murder of Yonke Pakade are held accountable.
Source – EWN
