Five men, members of a self-styled community patrol group, were handed prison terms totalling 45 years each for carrying out what police described as “kangaroo court” justice that led to the death of a man in Ramaphosa, Boksburg.

Jika Mbuyiseni (55), Malepe Isaya Puleng (47), Lepele Jabulani (55), Ratime Saitiel (49), and Zweni Masixolo Mark (36) were each sentenced to 25 years for murder, 10 years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and 10 years for kidnapping. The sentences will run concurrently.

According to Reiger Park police, the incident occurred after the group, which referred to themselves as community patrollers, allegedly took the law into their own hands by kidnapping, assaulting and ultimately killing a 29-year-old man whom they suspected of theft.

Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Constable Johannes Msimanga said police received a complaint of a murder in the Ramaphosa informal settlement on November 16, 2023.
“Police members rushed to the scene where community members pointed out the lifeless body of an African male lying in the street. He had suffered multiple head injuries as well as bruises on his legs and arms,” said Msimanga.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had allegedly been attacked by individuals known in the community as self-styled patrollers.
The following day, police received another complaint from a resident who reported that he had been severely assaulted by a group of patrollers. He provided descriptions of the suspects, which led police to an address where four suspects were located and arrested.

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A fifth suspect, also believed to be part of the group, was arrested about a week later.
Investigations linked all five suspects to the murder of the 29-year-old victim.

Detective Sergeant Alice Mabunda was assigned to investigate the cases. Police said her dedication and thorough investigation resulted in the successful conviction of all five accused.
Station management, including station commander Colonel Chetty, welcomed the sentences and commended Mabunda and other officers involved for their work in securing the convictions.

Police also noted that the area has experienced a number of unexplained assaults and urged victims to come forward and report such incidents.
Authorities warned residents against engaging in mob justice or forming unauthorised community patrol groups that conduct so-called ‘kangaroo courts.

“These actions are illegal and cannot replace formal legal processes. Anyone involved in such activities will face the full might of the law,” Msimanga warned.

Residents interested in assisting with crime prevention are encouraged to join recognised and regulated community safety structures that operate under the CPF.
Police explained that members of CPF-affiliated patrol groups undergo a vetting process and receive training on how to conduct themselves while performing their duties.
For more information about becoming a CPF-affiliated patroller or volunteer, residents may contact Visible Policing Commander Sergeant Mziwakhe Nkwanyana on 071 675 6995.

A police source said the issue is not isolated to Ramaphosa.
“In many informal settlements across the city, and even the country, groups of residents sometimes form their own patrol structures instead of working with recognised authorities,” the source said.
“These groups often coerce residents, particularly small business owners, into paying monthly ‘protection’ fees. When someone is suspected of a crime and reported to them, they frequently take the law into their own hands and impose immediate and often violent punishments.”

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