Speedy arrest of Gauteng MPL murder suspect welcomed

Tina Joemat-Pettersson, the chairperson of the Porfolio Committee on Police has welcomed the speedy arrest and court appearance of a suspect who was involved in the murder case of Gauteng Member of the Provincial Legislature, Mapiti Matsena.

The suspect – Monoko Francis Thoka, 29, made a brief appearance at the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing a murder charge.

The murdered Matsena was the chairperson of the Provincial Safety and Security Committee. Matsena was allegedly attacked and fatally stabbed at his home in Doornpoorton, Tshwane.

This happened on the night of July 16, 2020.

Joemat-Pettersson said in a statement:

“The speedy arrest is testament to the good capabilities of the police and will hopefully bring justice to the Matsena family. The arrest should further strengthen the credibility in the police in resolving acts of crime expeditiously.”

Joemat-Pettersson urged the police to make sure that investigations are not put to halt, but completed quickly and qualitatively, so as to ensure that prosecutions deter criminal acts.

She further said:

“All criminals must be removed from our streets to ensure that safety and security return to our streets. Furthermore, the community must work hand-in-hand with police in the fight against crime, as crime has social and economic impacts on everyone.”

The committee has extended its heartfelt condolences to the Matsena family for his senseless and brutal murder.

However, the police have appealed to anyone who may have any information on crime, to contact the SAPS via Crime Stop on 086 00 10111. Information may also be provided to the SAPS via MySAPSApp, an application which can be downloaded on any Android or Iphone.

Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo, the National Commissioner spokesperson has said that:

“All information will be treated with the strictest confidence and callers may remain anonymous.”