Three men and a woman were arrested at Beit Bridge for kidnapping and murder.
The arrest was made on July 25.
“It is alleged that the suspects target hitch-hikers travelling from Beit Bridge to Gauteng. It is believed they used a white Corsa bakkie and a red Hyundai van to transport the victims,” said Constable Mokete Serakwana, from the Olifantsfontein SAPS.
On Friday, July 24, Detective Constable Moraka Pale received a call from an informer that the suspects were attempting to kidnap victims.
Det Const Pale verified the suspects’ registration number and then contacted the Beit Bridge SAPS to arrest the suspects.
According to Const Serakwana, Det Const Pale travelled to Beit Bridge the following day to take custody of the suspects and transport them back to Gauteng for detention and court proceedings.
“The suspects took the victims from Beit Bridge to Rabie Ridge, where the victims were tortured with electric cables. The suspects would assault the victims, take their bank cards and obtain the pin numbers. The suspects also phoned family members, demanding money,” said Const Serakwana.
“The suspects would play loud music so that they neighbours would not hear the screams,” she said.
Const Serakwana confirmed that two women were killed when their family could not be reached.
One victim’s body was dumped next to the R25. The second victim’s body was first burnt before it was dumped in an open field near the L&J Informal Settlement.
According to Const Serakwana, two babies were included in the 10 victims. The babies were also assaulted.
The owner of the house from which the suspects operated, said two of the suspects have been tenants since February this year.
The suspects appeared in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court and will appear again for a bail application.
The Olifantsfontein SAPS appealed to residents to come forward with information, or to help identify the deceased.
Anyone with information can contact the Olifantsfontein SAPS on 011 316-8020
