A joint operation by Namahadi police in the Free State, detectives, Phuthaditjhaba Crime Intelligence and the Phuthaditjhaba Public Order Police Unit (POP) has resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects, including a local school principal, in connection with the mob justice murder of 27-year-old Mpho Mokoena.

Bloemfontein Courant reports that, according to Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, it is alleged that on Friday at approximately 17:30, a group of community members, including the school principal, forcibly took Mokoena from around the Namahadi area, accusing him of stealing electrical cables and food intended for the school’s feeding scheme.

“The group allegedly transported him to the school premises in an unmarked private vehicle, with some individuals reportedly impersonating police officials. Once at the school, Mokoena was handcuffed and allegedly assaulted with sjamboks in full view of some learners present at the time,” said Mophiring.

She added that, despite a learner reportedly attempting to transport the badly injured man in a wheelbarrow, Mokoena succumbed to his injuries outside the school premises.

“He was later found covered with blankets and declared dead by emergency medical services personnel upon their arrival. A case of murder has been opened and is under investigation,” said Mophiring.

Furthermore, on Sunday, a targeted police operation was conducted in Maluti-a-Phofung.

“The co-ordinated effort by the Namahadi Visible Policing, detectives, Phuthaditjhaba Crime Intelligence and POP led to the successful arrest of 10 suspects (five men and five women, including the school principal). The suspects are expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court [today], facing charges of murder.”

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