15-year-old and alleged accomplice face murder charges in police officer's death
The police constable was stabbed.
Image: File image
Two suspects, including a 15-year-old boy, appeared in the Beaufort West Magistrate’s Court for the murder of a police officer.
Siyamthanda Mafata, 20, and the 15-year-old allegedly murdered Constable Courtlin Lakay, 23, who was stationed at the Beaufort West police station.
The 15-year-old boy cannot be named as he is a minor.
According to Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani, the police constable was off duty at the time of the incident.
“It is reported that on Sunday, August 24, 2025, members responded to an incident at a place of entertainment in Gaba Road, Kwa-Mandlenkosi in Beaufort West, where, upon arrival, they found the body of the deceased officer with a stab wound on his back. The accused fled the scene on foot, and Constable Lakay was declared dead on the scene,” Hani said.
A case of murder was opened at the Beaufort West police station.
“The case docket was allocated to the Hawks members from the George Serious Organised Crime Investigation. A proactive response by members of the K9 and Crime Intelligence who followed up on positive information led to the arrest of the two accused,” Hani said.
The matter has been postponed while the State is still looking for a suitable accommodation to house the juvenile accused.
The court had ordered both suspects to remain in custody.
Cape Times