TOTI SAPS detectives are on the hunt for the perpetrators of a double murder which occurred in Inkwali Reserve at the weekend.
“On Saturday, 12 September Toti SAPS received a complaint of fighting by a mob in Inkwali Reserve. It was alleged the victims were two Zimbabwean men and two South African men,” said Toti SAPS communications officer, Capt Charlene van der Spuy.
“On their arrival police found a burnt-out truck parked on a gravel road next to houses, but no victims. It is alleged the four men were employed by a scrap metal company based in Isipingo and were in the area to burn copper. While in the process of burning the copper, the community of about 30 to 40 members confronted them. They were interrogated by the community members who started to assault the victims.”
The two South African men managed to get away to report the incident to their employer, who also originates from Zimbabwe. “At that time it was unclear what happened to the two Zimbabwean men. A broken wooden baseball bat, 20l litre plastic container, clothing, red nylon rope and two pieces of green hosepipe were found on the scene. The area was combed for the Zimbabwean victims, but without success.”
A case of arson was opened.
“On Sunday, 13 September at about 8am police received an anonymous call of two bodies found next to the Illovo River. The deceased were identified as the same two Zimbabwean men who were assaulted by the community the previous day.
They were stripped of some of their clothing they were wearing the previous day and had multiple injuries all over their bodies. The bodies were found on a gravel road next to the Illovo River. It appeared as if the bodies were dumped there, which was about 1.5 km away from the burnt-out truck.”
A case of murder was opened and is being investigated by Toti detectives.
