This is according to police spokesperson in the Free State, Stephen Thakeng, who told OFM News that the men appeared at the Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court yesterday following their last appearance towards the end of May earlier this year. Four of the five men were released on R1000 bail each at their last court appearance, while the fifth accused, who is said to be a Lesotho national, was denied bail as he may flee the country.

Cornelius Gideon Keller (26), Toko Jonas Molise (21), Paballo Maselesele (23), Abraham Hlalele (24), and Tiisetso Maseli (25) were arrested on Saturday 22 May after they allegedly beat three victims with sticks and sjamboks after they allegedly found them stealing maize. The body of another man, said to have been the fourth victim, was found on the grass alongside the road between Kroonstad and Viljoenskroon after the suspects also allegedly beat and choked him to death. They will appear in court again on 27 July to face murder and assault charges with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.

OFM News