Four Policemen to go on trial for Diepsloot murder

The trial of four (4) policemen who are appearing for the murder of 28 year old Richard Mahlangu in February 2012 is starting at the Atteridgeville Regional Court on 13 February 2013.

The then Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) arrested the Captain and three (3) Constables for the murder. The Captain was based at Diepsloot SAPS and the three Constables were based at Honeydew Detective Services.

It is alleged that Mr Mahlangu was arrested at his home on 11 February 2012 between midnight and 01:00 the next morning. He was then allegedly assaulted by unknown policemen. Two other persons were also assaulted by these members of the SAPS. The suspect was then placed on the back of an open police bakkie and the police drove off with him. He was found dead at about 04:45 on 12 February 2012 at the Diepsloot police station. The deceased was found lying in the parking area of the police station.

The ICD started an investigation after being notified of the incident. An identification (ID) parade was held after which the suspects were arrested by the ICD’s investigators.

At the time of the offence, the Captain was 46 years old and the three Constables were 31, 32 and 33 years old respectively.

All four accused were dismissed from the SAPS a week ago following a disciplinary hearing.

Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate

For enquiries:
IPID National Spokesman
Moses Dlamini
082 809 1927
mdlamini@ipid.gov.za