DA councillor among four arrested over alleged kidnapping and murder

A DA Ekurhuleni councillor is among four people arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of a man who was allegedly assaulted and tortured after being accused of breaking into a house.

DA councillor Kabelo Mahonko, 40, was arrested on August 17 and appeared in the Benoni magistrate’s court on August 19 facing charges of murder and kidnapping.

According to police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, Mahonko allegedly assaulted and tortured two men, aged 33 and 36, after accusing them of breaking into her house and stealing items.

Three more suspects, aged 19, 33 and 45, were later arrested and appeared in the Benoni magistrate’s court on August 21.

They face charges of murder and kidnapping and were remanded in custody.

They are expected to appear together with Mahonko on August 27 for a bail application.

The arrests have prompted calls for Mahonko to be suspended from her political responsibilities.

The EFF in Gauteng said it was concerned by the arrest, particularly because Mahonko is an elected public representative.

The party called on the DA to immediately suspend her from her public responsibilities pending the finalisation of the criminal case.

The EFF also called on the City of Ekurhuleni to suspend Mahonko from municipal work, saying the allegations were too serious to be treated only as an internal party matter.

The party said it supported the principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but argued this should not prevent political and ethical accountability while the legal process is under way.

The EFF called on the police and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure the case was investigated and prosecuted without political interference.

The DA has referred the matter to its federal legal commission.