This happened during intense clashes between Sotho and Xhosa clans at the Sondela informal settlement in the North West on Sunday and Monday.

Some of the victims were necklaced with burning tyres after being pulled from their homes.

Police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, says the 11 bodies were discovered in different places. According to him a police multi-disciplinary team arrested the suspects on Monday and Tuesday for various offences relating to the killings. The suspects face charges of kidnapping, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, murder, arson, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Mokgwabone, however, said more arrests were imminent.

Meanwhile, the police commissioner has criticised the killing spree that led to the death of these 11 people and the destruction of property in Sondela. Commissioner Baile Motswenyane reacted to the incidents which seem to have been mob justice with some victims identified as Lesotho citizens.

Police also says a further investigation into the incident revealed that some of the victims were from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.

The police have urged members of the community to remain calm, allow the police to do their work and to report any suspicious activity by contacting Boitekong Police Station at 014-593-6001/2. Alternatively, the station commander can be contacted at 082-416-1337.

OFM News