Three members of the gang that goes by the name Wrong Turns, were attacked and killed by angry community members in Elukwatini near Badplaas last weekend. A further five gang members were arrested.
They were suspected of being responsible for several attacks on innocent community members in the area. According to Const Peace Mbokane of Elukwatini police, three local residents were murdered on Friday, which sparked the vigilante violence.
Mbokane said that on Friday, Mandla Nxumalo (31), a taxi owner and Yanda Sibande (30), a driver, were enjoying themselves at Mavela Tavern with a friend, Musawenkosi Nhlengethwa (30).
“An argument ensued between the three and eight members of Wrong Turns over liquor, which the men had bought in bulk and the gang members wanted to take forcefully. Nxumalo was stabbed in the neck and Sibande had multiple stab wounds to his face and body.”
Mbokane said the two were rushed to Embuleni General Hospital and later succumbed to their injuries.
“It is alleged that the Wrong Turns group had earlier stabbed another man, Phumlani Nonyana (19). Nonyana also passed away that day.”
He said that fortunately, the police had an opportunity to visit Nonyana in hospital before he died and according to him, he had been stabbed by a man he knew from Tjakastad by the name of Clifford.
He said it later transpired that Clifford was a member of the Wrong Turns.
According to Mbokane, following day, Saturday February 28, about 6 000 community members, including members of the taxi industry, mobilised and embarked on a quest for vengeance.
“Armed with various sorts of dangerous weapons, the mob successfully traced and found three Wrong Turns members. They assaulted and stoned them to death. A Corsa light delivery vehicle which was allegedly used to transport the Wrong Turns, was also overturned and set alight by the furious residents.”
He said swift investigation by the police led to the arrest of five Wrong Turns members – Clifford Nkambule (18), Mboniseni Lancelot Shongwe (19), Andile Sibusiso Mashinini (19), Bongani Ntulo Lukhele (30) and Mfanzile Gwayman Nhlabathi (23).
“Two other suspected members of the group have also been detained. No one has been arrested yet for the mob justice and police are continuing to investigate the matter,” said Mbokane.
The local police request anyone who can assist them in the investigation, to contact Lt Beauty Marivate on 082-822-8357.
The five gang members appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
