A JMPD officer, Amukelani Musengi, accused of murdering her colleague, Palesa Rikhotso (pictured), will learn the fate of her bail application next week following a court appearance this week.
Image: Facebook
A JMPD officer accused of killing her colleague will return to court next week, where she will learn whether her bail application will be granted or denied.
Amukelani Musengi, 40, appeared in the Protea Magistrate's Court this week for the verification of her address.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson Lizzy Suping said Musengi is accused of murdering her colleague, Palesa Rikhotso.
“Musengi allegedly killed Rikhotso on June 28, 2026. It is alleged that she had an argument with her partner at an event in Glenridge Extension 16, Soweto. She reached out to Rikhotso to intervene.
Palesa Rikhotso was tragically killed in an incident in Soweto.
Image: Facebook
“When Rikhotso arrived at the event venue, her partner got into Rikhotso's car, and they drove away. As they were driving away, Musengi allegedly fired several shots with her service firearm towards the departing car, fatally wounding Rikhotso, who was certified dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel,” said Suping.
Musengi was off duty at the time of the incident.
The matter was postponed to July 13, 2026, for judgment in the bail application by the Protea Magistrate's Court.
According to an earlier statement by IPID, after Musengi's arrest, it is alleged that she argued with her girlfriend while attending a lesbian event at a club in Soweto.
At her arrest, Musengi was taken to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital for blood samples to be drawn for an alcohol test.
Suping confirmed that a 9mm pistol, empty cartridges, and live ammunition were found at the scene.