Police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, says the bodies of these two men, aged between 29 and 40, were found on the road facing up with visible multiple open stab wounds. He says the police's preliminary investigations revealed that the two allegedly had a clash with a rival group called International Junior Portuguese (IJP) members, which resulted in their deaths.

The two are said to have belonged to a gangster group called the Fireboys or Al Qaeda criminal gang. Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane, has appealed to community members to join hands in eradicating criminal gang activities in their areas.

"The police were notified of these bodies and rushed to the scene. On arrival, the bodies of the two men were found and they were certified dead by the emergency personnel at the scene.

"After a preliminary investigation by Welkom SAPS members, the two deceased men were identified by their next of kin and friends as Tsiu Motaung 29 and Linda Mohlongo 40," he adds.

Makhele says the "investigation into this matter was assigned to Sgt Tsie Matlokotsi of the Welkom SAPS Detective Unit. He asked the community to contact him at 078 758 5658 with information that may also assist to trace suspects".

Motswenyane says “these criminal activities are not static as it overflows to other communities where more murders might be due to revenge attacks, which may affect law-abiding citizens".

OFM News