Update, 2 February 2017, 13.50
Residents of Ivory Park Lindokuhle section stormed the Ivory Park Police Station on 2 February, demanding answers after a murder suspect was allegedly released a day after his arrest.
The suspect was arrested for the murder of 22-year-old Sipho Kgatla, who was found lying in the road near his house at about 1am on 30 January, with stab wounds.
“We heard footsteps of people running,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
“A few seconds later we heard a man screaming out the [suspect’s] name. When we got outside, we found [Kgatla] lying in a pool of blood with stab wounds, shouting for [the suspect] not to kill him.” Kgatla died at the scene.
A family member, who also did not want to be named, said the deceased’s bedroom door had been tampered with. Kgatla was wearing only his underwear when he was killed.
“We are now fearing for our lives because [the suspect] even threatened two boys during his arrest,” alleged the family member.
Residents claim that the suspect is a notorious criminal who has allegedly been terrorising the community.
“We want to know on which condition was he released and what should we do because our lives are in danger,” said another resident who declined to be named.
Kgatla was studying towards a teaching degree through the University of South Africa.
Spokesperson for the Ivory Park police captain Bernard Matimulane said they were waiting for the investigation officer of the case to determine the cause of the release. “When a suspect is arrested he appears before court which decides on the fate of the case,” he said.
Initial Report, 2 February 2017, 10am
Ivory Park police have arrested three men in connection with two separate murder incidents – one which took place in the Themba Khoza informal settlement on 27 January, and the other in Lindokuhle Section in Ivory Park on 29 January.
In the first incident, two men, aged 20 and 23, were arrested for allegedly stabbing and stoning a man to death in the settlement on 27 January. It is claimed that the suspects and the deceased had an argument which is claimed to have led to the gruesome murder. The two suspects were arrested on 29 January following a tip-off. Police are looking for a third suspect believed to be connected to the murder.
In the second incident, police arrested a 29-year-old man on the morning of 30 January for the murder of a 22-year-old man who was found lying dead in the road near his home in Lindokuhle West in Ivory Park. His family last saw him when he was going to bed the night before, but the following morning he was found with a number of injuries.
Read Strangled woman’s domestic worker charged with murder
All three suspects are expected to appear in the Tembisa Magistrates’ Court soon.
Anyone with information can contact Ivory Park Police Station on 011 990 9618.
To join the Caxton Greater JHB North WhatsApp group, where you can share your photos, comments and concerns, WhatsApp your name and surname to 079 439 5345.
