Three KwaZulu-Natal police officers accused of murdering three suspected criminals in KwaMashu earlier this year have appeared in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court, where the matter was postponed to next month.
According to a statement released by Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on Tuesday, Sergeant Manelisi Rabi, 43, Sergeant Sifiso Emmanuel Maphumulo, 47, and Constable Vusimuzi Hopewell Phewa, 38, appeared in court in connection with the fatal shooting of three suspects at Duff’s Road in KwaMashu on March 20, 2026.
The case was remanded to August 25, 2026.
The officers are facing three counts of murder and have been released on warning.
“It is alleged that the police officers shot and killed three occupants of a red VW Polo, who were returning from a community meeting at Duff’s Road Hall, after they intercepted the suspects. The officers alleged that they returned fire after the suspects fired at them first,” said Ipid.
The suspects were reportedly wanted for several crimes in the KwaMashu area.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting remain the subject of court proceedings.
