Five men were expected to appear in the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Monday after they allegedly brutally beat a man to death, police said on Monday.

The men, aged between 18 years and 64,  face charges of murder after they allegedly beat and killed a 26-year-old man in front of his mother with a hammer, iron rod and sticks after he was caught stealing in Extension 18.

“After hearing that her son was being assaulted, the mother of the deceased rushed to the scene, pleading for mercy on his behalf, however, the accused suspects ignored her pleas and instead intensified the beating,” said the police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Michael Mbewe.

Seeing that she could not bear the sight of her son’s beatings, the mother walked away, only to find her son dead upon her return moments later, with his hands tied with wires.

“We then arrested the five suspects, three of whom were siblings,” said Mbewe.

Police have expressed their deepest concerns about this tragic and brutal murder.

“We strongly believe that this could have been a heroic story for the citizens, but it turned out to be the opposite. It is very unfortunate that some people still believe in violence to resolve issues,” Mbewe said.