The ten suspects, including a local school principal, were remanded in custody when they appeared in the same court on Tuesday.

They were arrested on Sunday after they accused the victim of stealing electrical cables and food intended for the school’s feeding scheme. The community members forcefully took Mpho Mokena (27) to the school premises in an unmarked private vehicle.

“We can confirm that the accused have appeared in court and their matter has been postponed to Friday for a possible bail application,” said Free State NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. “All ten suspects, including the school principal, were remanded in custody until their next court appearance.”

It is alleged that some individuals in the vehicle were impersonating police officers. Once at the school, Mokoena was handcuffed and allegedly assaulted with sjamboks in full view of some learners present at the time.

A learner reportedly attempted to transport the badly injured Mokoena in a wheelbarrow, but he succumbed to his injuries outside the school premises. “The victim was declared dead by emergency medical services upon their arrival. Police are investigating a case of murder,” said Free State police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring.

People are urged not to take the law into their own hands. Photo supplied

Meanwhile, Free State police are still investigating an inquest into the cause of a fire in Reitz that resulted in the death of an 18-month-old toddler and a seven-month-old infant.

Three suspects (16 to 23) appeared in the Reitz Magistrate’s Court for malicious damage to property and murder for the alleged murder of the two brothers; their case was postponed.

The parents of the children, Palesa Mngomezulu (23) and Ben Nhlapho (25), were charged with child neglect and will appear in court on Friday, 6 June, for a bail application after they were released on warning.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh