Overview
- Thabang Eugene Sohole, 41, and Michael Makampe, 42, identified as VIP protection officers for Madibeng Mayor Douglas Maimane, were charged with murder and defeating the ends of justice.
- The men appeared briefly at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 2 February, with a formal bail hearing scheduled for 4 February.
- According to the NPA, the incident occurred on 28 January around 8pm on Eskia Mphahlele Drive toward the R80 near Mabopane.
- Authorities allege the accused used flashing blue lights to force the couple to pull over, one carried an R5 rifle, and the victim was shot after approaching the BMW to verify their authority.
- The victim, South African Air Force sergeant Michael Swanton, 36, died at the scene, and a memorial was planned at Air Force Base Swartkop as his family mourned.