Another member of the Wrong Turns gang in Elukwatini near Badplaas has been murdered following the death of his three notorious accomplices after residents led by taxi owners caught and stoned the men on Saturday, February 28.
Mfanampelo Maseko died last Thursday.
According to Elukwatini police spokesman, Const Peace Mbokane the fourth suspected gang member was set alight in Elukwatini.
A taxi owner, who didn’t want to be named, but of whom Barberton Times has the details, said the gang was thought to have 42 members.
“We will not stop until all are dead. When the cops arrest them, they release them back onto the streets where they rob and kill innocent people. The only way to stop them is to kill them all,” he said.
Col Leonard Hlathi said the violence was first sparked when taxi owner Mandla Nxumalo and taxi driver Yanda Sibande (30) were enjoying beer at a tavern last Friday at Mavela Tavern in Elukwatini when eight Wrong Turn members wanted some of their beer.
“There was a bitter argument. Nxumalo was stabbed in the neck and Sibande had many stab wounds to the face and body. They were rushed to Embuleni hospital where they died. These eight allegedly also stabbed and killed 19-year-old Phumlani Nonyana earlier on Friday.
“The next day angry residents and taxi men beat three of the gang members to a pulp and then stoned them to death, said Hlathi. “The furious people also overturned and set alight a Corsa bakkie said to have transported the gang.”
Read the previous article here: Community kills three gang members during quest for vengeance.
Hlathi said swift investigation by the police led to the arrest of the other five members for the murders of Nxumalo and Sibande – Clifford Nkambule (18), Mboniseni Lancelot Shongwe (19), Andile Sibusiso Mashinini (19), Bongani Ntulo Lukhele (30) and Mfanzile Gwayman Nhlabathi (23).
The men are aged 18 to 30. They have appeared in Eerstehoek Court on March 3 and are still in custody.
“People with information about the gang members should contact Col Beauty Marivate on 082-822-8357,” he said.
