Anger over release of stabbing suspect as investigations continue
Prosecutors have said, once all necessary investigations are completed, they will decide how to handle the case. The community, however, feel the justice system is failing them.
The release of a suspect from police custody for further investigation into a recent stabbing had Mamelodi residents fuming.
Angry Mamelodi community members picketed outside the regional court last Tuesday to protest the release.
Their unhappiness was over the stabbing case which they feel was not being handled correctly by authorities, due to the matter not being enrolled as further investigations were required.
The 31-year-old man was arrested on April 18 after allegedly fatally stabbing Sandile Mdluli (20) with a knife the day before.
The two had allegedly been involved in an argument when the stabbing occurred.
Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the incident took place at Phomolong and the investigating officer interviewed two witnesses.
Van Dyk said the witnesses said the deceased and suspect got into a fight.
He said the area where the fight ensued was poorly lit and the witnesses couldn’t really make out what was happening.
“When the fight ended the deceased was said to have tried to flee the scene but later collapsed and this is when both the [witnesses] noticed that he was injured,” said Van Dyk.
The deceased was later taken to hospital, where he passed on.
“The suspect was arrested by Mamelodi East Detectives at his home and appeared in court on April 22,” he said.
The suspect has been released by the court and is further awaiting photographs and postmortem results, according to police.
The docket has not been placed on the roll but will be taken to the inquest court and a decision will be taken.
“Members of the SAPS have done due diligence with preliminary investigations of the case and further arrested the suspect, the decision now lies with the Department of Justice,” Van Dyk concluded.
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