Police have urged residents to report suspected criminals rather than resort to violence. Five suspects have been arrested and are expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Monday (7/9) on charges of murder.

In the first incident, Mpho Maboea (30) from Mangaung Village in QwaQwa was allegedly assaulted by a group of community members at Naledi Village on 17 August after being accused of stealing electrical cables. He sustained injuries to his forehead and bruises to his face and was taken to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

In the second incident, on 27 August, Thabo David Motsoeneng (23) from Masimong Village in QwaQwa was allegedly attacked and burned to death by a group of community members who also accused him of cable theft.

Free State police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said five suspects, aged between 24 and 55, were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation conducted on Friday night and into Saturday morning.

Three of the suspects are allegedly linked to both murder cases, while one of the suspects is a foreign national and illegal immigrant. The investigation into both cases is continuing and further arrests cannot be ruled out.

The arrests come shortly after twelve suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged mob justice killing of a shepherd near Fouriesburg, who was accused of stealing a lamb.

Mophiring said some community members choose to accuse individuals of crimes based on their own perceptions rather than reporting their suspicions to police, and then settle for mob justice.

“During investigations, you find that only a few people within society are the ones fuelling such behaviour. Some of the community members are eager to work with police and supply information of people who take the law into their own hands.”

Communities are regularly educated about crime-related issues through various platforms, with police urging residents to report suspected criminal activity rather than resorting to violence, he added.

“Police will continue to fight lawlessness and deal with perpetrators through the criminal justice system to ensure that justice prevails.”

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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