VANDERBIJLPARK. – The Vanderbijlpark SAPS Visible Policing Sector Detectives responded to a complaint of murder after a man who has since been arrested as a suspect went to Bophelong police station to open an Arson case.
Upon interviewing the suspect, police realised that the suspect and his accomplices have murdered the alleged arson suspect through mob justice.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Gertrude Makhale says. “The suspect alleges he was involved in a fight with the deceased (30) last night on the 14th of April 2021. He alleges that they fought and the deceased left.”
According to Makhale, the suspect reported that about two hours following the incident, he was called by his neighbours who informed him that his shack was on fire.
“He went to check and found his shack was burning. The suspect further alleged that after the fight the deceased threatened him and told him he would teach him a lesson.”
After seeing his shack on fire, the suspect states that he together with his friends went looking for the deceased and found him at Marikana squatter camp where they started assaulting him.
“They took him to the burned shack at Joko Tea squatter camp and assaulted him further. The community joined in assaulting the man and set him alight.”
Makhale states that further investigation done by the members revealed that more suspects will be traced and arrested in this case.
“The Vanderbijlpark SAPS is investigating a case of murder. We want to warn the community that mob justice does not prevent crime or resolve any crime committed, but is crime on its own.”
Makhale adds that a good relationship between the community and the police is vital to combat crime.
