Seven suspects have been arrested after deadly clashes between rival groups in Bophelong, a township located near Vanderbijlpark, left three young men dead, several people wounded and a family home torched, reports Sedibeng Ster.

Sedibeng police arrested the suspects between August 16 and 17 in connection with charges of murder, attempted murder and arson following clashes between rival groups known as Mopheme and Shibaibai.

The violence began on August 8 when the two groups clashed, leaving several people shot. One of the victims later died at Sharpeville Clinic, while others were taken to the hospital for treatment.

The violence escalated the following day when a group allegedly stormed the family home of the deceased in Extension 14.

Three young men were killed during the attack before the house was set alight.

Specialised units track suspects

An intensive investigation by a multidisciplinary police team involving the Sedibeng Serious Violent Crime Investigation Unit, Crime Intelligence, the K9 Unit and the Local Criminal Record Centre led detectives to several suspects.

Among those arrested is a man believed to be the leader of the Mopheme group in Boipatong, Sedibeng District Police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela said.

During the operation, police searched a vehicle linked to one of the suspects. The Sedibeng K9 Unit recovered a live round of ammunition and a cellphone belonging to one of the victims.

Maxambela said the investigation was continuing as detectives followed up on information that could lead to further arrests.

Sedibeng district commissioner Brigadier Mashole Manamela praised the multidisciplinary team for its swift action.

“SAPS will not allow rival groups to terrorise communities or take the law into their own hands. We will continue to pursue those responsible for violent crimes and ensure that they face the full might of the law,” Manamela said.

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