Tragic Hijacking Claims Life of Dedicated LEAP Officer Yonke Pakade: Four Suspects Nabbed, Face Murder and Kidnapping Charges in Cape Town
Cape Town – The senseless murder of off-duty Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer Yonke Pakade has sent shockwaves through the Western Cape, with authorities swiftly arresting four suspects linked to the brutal hijacking. The 26-year-old’s body was discovered with multiple stab wounds in the early hours of Sunday, 12 October 2025, in the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, following a harrowing ordeal that began on Saturday evening in Browns Farm.
Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has strongly condemned the attack, calling it a devastating blow to the fight against crime. As the suspects prepare to face court today, 14 October 2025, police are urging the public to share any tips that could strengthen the case, amid revelations that two women were found kidnapped in the boot of Pakade’s stolen vehicle.
This latest tragedy highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers even off duty, in a province grappling with high rates of violent crime. Philippi East, known for its informal settlements and gang activity, has seen a spike in hijackings and murders, with over 1,000 violent deaths reported in Cape Town’s hotspots in the past year alone. Pakade’s death adds to the grim tally, underscoring the need for more resources and community involvement to curb the violence that claims too many lives.
Hijacking Nightmare: From Browns Farm to Fatal Discovery in Philippi East
According to preliminary reports, Yonke Pakade and his 30-year-old female colleague were allegedly hijacked in Browns Farm on Saturday evening while off duty. The attackers, believed to be armed and opportunistic, targeted their vehicle in a known high-risk area. The female officer, who sustained stab wounds herself, managed to escape the assailants and alert authorities, providing crucial details that kickstarted the investigation.
Tragically, Pakade was not as fortunate. His body was found hours later in the Marikana informal settlement, riddled with stab wounds to the chest. Police sources indicate the attack was vicious, with Pakade possibly resisting the hijackers, leading to his fatal injuries. The scene was cordoned off as forensic teams gathered evidence, including potential DNA and fingerprints that could tie the suspects directly to the crime.
Browns Farm and Philippi East, both in Cape Town’s eastern suburbs, are plagued by poverty, unemployment, and gang rivalries, making them hotspots for car thefts and assaults. Recent stats from the City of Cape Town show a 15% rise in hijackings in these areas over the past six months, often linked to syndicates that strip vehicles for parts or use them in further crimes. Pakade’s case fits this pattern, but the added element of murder has escalated it to a priority probe.
Swift Arrests: From One Suspect to Four, Plus Shocking Kidnapping Twist
The response from law enforcement was rapid and coordinated. LEAP officers, commended by MEC Marais for their quick action, arrested an initial 22-year-old suspect shortly after the incident. This breakthrough led to further leads, resulting in the apprehension of three more men believed to be involved.
A joint team from the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Systems Management Unit, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Organised Crime Unit, LEAP, and the Khayelitsha Tactical Response Team worked tirelessly to track down the additional suspects. During the arrests, police recovered Pakade’s stolen vehicle, where they made a startling discovery: two women were found locked in the boot, leading to additional kidnapping charges against the accused.
The suspects, whose identities have not been released pending court proceedings, are set to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court today. They face charges of murder, hijacking, and kidnapping, with potential for more as investigations unfold. City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, has confirmed he will join Pakade’s family in court, offering support during what promises to be an emotional hearing.
This multi-agency effort showcases the effectiveness of integrated policing in Cape Town, where LEAP – launched in 2020 to boost visible law enforcement – has made over 30,000 arrests since inception. However, the loss of one of their own has hit the unit hard, prompting calls for enhanced protection for officers even when off duty.
MEC Marais’ Outrage: A Blow to Community Safety Efforts
MEC Anroux Marais did not mince words in her condemnation of the attack. “I am angered by this senseless act of violence that has claimed the life of a young officer who served our communities with dedication. The loss of any law enforcement officer is not only a personal tragedy, but also a significant setback in our ongoing fight against crime. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of officer Yonke Pakade,” she said on Monday.
Marais praised the collaborative arrests, thanking all involved for their dedication. “I thank all law enforcement officers for their collaborative efforts in arresting the suspects. I call on the SAPS to ensure that no effort is spared in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
Her statement echoes broader concerns in the Western Cape, where over 2,000 murders were recorded in the last financial year, many involving firearms or knives. LEAP officers, deployed in high-crime areas like Philippi and Nyanga, face daily risks, with several assaulted or killed in recent years. Marais has vowed to push for stronger measures, including more funding for body cameras and tactical gear to safeguard personnel.
Community Plea: Help Bring Justice for Yonke Pakade
In a bid to uncover more details, authorities are appealing to the public for information. Marais urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to step forward, assuring confidentiality. Tips can be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the MySAPS app, or the City of Cape Town’s tip-off line on 0800 1100 77.

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