Members of the community group, commonly known as Peri Peri, were arrested for kidnapping and murder on 14 May 2022.

Constant Bokwana (37), Zacharia Moorosi (31), Eric Pooe (37) and Patrick Tobolo (43) were allegedly involved in the murder of Karabo Maponyane (22) in October 2021.

The deceased’s grandmother allegedly called the group to assist her in getting her things back from her grandson. After several days, the suspects, accompanied by other unknown people, arrived at the grandmother’s place with the grandson.

They all had sjamboks, which they allegedly used to assault the victim.
The victim admitted to stealing the items and offered to show them where he had hidden them. A passerby allegedly spotted the group near Ikageng police station later that day, pushing a green wheelie bin. Knowing the group very well, he stopped to find out what was happening. He saw the victim in the dustbin and alerted the police. The group continued to beat him with sticks while he was in the dustbin.

When the police went outside, the group, which was now at the station, dumped the victim there and left. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

“A sterling investigation by Dr Kenneth Kaunda District detectives task team led to the arrest of the four suspects in Ikageng. They made their first appearance in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 16 and 17 May to face charges of kidnapping and murder. They were each granted R1,000 bail. They are expected to reappear on 31 May when the investigation will continue,” said Sgt Amogelang Malwetse, police spokesperson.

Nico Tsimane, the Peri Peri spokesperson, said the group has decided to temporarily shut down the organisation until further notice due to the events that transpired.

“Peri Peri Safety Community Organisation is a well-known group of volunteers across Potchefstroom and Ikageng who work closely with the SAPS and community members. Our role and aim are to assist our police and society in the fight against crime by disciplining criminals and reporting them to the police.

We were also shocked to hear that Karabo Maponyane died after the incident. We only disciplined him as we discipline all criminals or members who harm our society. No sharp or harmful objects were used on him. The organisation was never created to kill anyone but to protect our community.”