A 34-year-old detective constable, Elias Moeketsi Pinkoan, has appeared before the Sebokeng Magistrates’ Court on charges of murder and attempted murder following a fatal shooting outside BK Lifestyle Cafe in Sebokeng.
The accused who is attached to the Orange Farm SAPS Detective Branch, was arrested in connection with the incident that allegedly took place in the early hours of Sunday, 12 July.
It is alleged that Pinkoane was off duty at the time and arrived at BK Lifestyle Cafe in a state vehicle at about 3am.
Police said, as the establishment was closing, Pinkoane and his partner went to buy gizzards, where they found three men waiting in the queue. An argument broke out after one of the men attempted to purchase all of the remaining gizzards.
Pinkoane then went to the state vehicle, pulled his service pistol, and fired shots at the three men through the vehicle’s window before driving off. One of the victims was declared dead at the scene, while a second victim sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to hospital for medical treatment. A third victim escaped without physical injuries.
During the investigation, police recovered spent cartridge cases, with one found at the crime scene and another later recovered inside the state vehicle used during the incident. The accused was later traced to his residence, where he was arrested the same day. He now faces charges of murder and attempted murder.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that internal disciplinary processes will run concurrently with the criminal case.
The matter is before the Sebokeng Magistrates’ Court, where legal proceedings are expected to continue. Pinkoane remains an accused person, and the allegations against him have not yet been tested in court.
