There are five suspects being investigated by the Rietgat SAPS who are believed to have been involved in the mob killing of a 22-year-old known “thug” near Jukulyn on Friday.
Investigations indicate that the deceased robbed a member of the public of a cellphone on Saturday 11th of March 2023 at around 14:00, but his luck ran out, and he was caught by a community member.
As soon as they caught him, they beat him with sjamboks and golf clubs, breaking his limbs and dragging him from Block R to Block X until he died. It is alleged that his ordeal lasted for hours and he was certified dead on the scene by the Tshwane Emergency Services.
An investigation into the murder was launched, and five suspects were arrested this morning (Tuesday) for the killing of the 22-year-old man. More arrests are imminent since it is alleged that over 46 people participated in this heinous crime of vigilantism that led to the murder.
The station would like to reiterate to members of the public to stop taking the law into their own hands, but instead, call the police after making a citizen arrest. It also emerged at the release of the Gauteng Provincial Crime Statistics today that the province experiences a spike in murder cases emanating from vigilantism.
The Station Commander, Brigadier Molatelo Maphoto has always emphasised to residents to avoid beating up suspects but to arrest them and the police will do the rest.
This previous Saturday, the same day the murder was committed, the Rietgat SAPS led by Brigadier Maphoto and the Community Policing Forum held a community Imbizo in Block P and vigilantism was harshly condemned by the Station Commander but he urged the community to report to the police and have faith in them. It is however evident that the message has fallen on deaf ears.
The arrest of these community members now turned suspects, will send a strong message to other residents that resorting to vigilantism only turns good citizens into criminals.
All these arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Soshanguve Magistrate Court in due course.
