TRAFFIC came to a standstill in Jozini on Monday morning as angry community members blocked roads, demanding police release two suspects accused of cross-border crime and theft of motor vehicles.
According to reports, the two men were rescued by police when they were severely beaten by the public.
It is alleged that during the beatings, the victims mentioned the names of police officers who they said are involved a crossborder crime.
One resident, who asked not to be named, alleges that one of the suspects is employed by the Jozini Municipality, while the second is an RTI officer.
‘Many people are affected by vehicle theft in this area. People are hijacked and their vehicles taken across the Mozambique border.
‘Police are working hard to curb this criminal activity, but residents became furious when they heard that thieves are
working with some police officers who escort and arrange for stolen vehicles to be taken across the border.
‘This is a clear indication that these officers inform their accomplices of what local police are planning to do on the day,’ he said.
Police spokesperson, Captain Senzo Gumede, said the two men were badly assaulted and they were rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
‘The community tried to attack the police station, demanding the release of the suspects.
They also wanted to burn down the station and we had to call for back-up from neighbouring police stations.
‘As police we have to uphold the law and conduct our own investigations to determine whether the two men are indeed, involved in the crimes they are accused of,’ said Gumede.
He could not comment on the allegations that the victims are employees of RTI and the municipality.
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