Five arrested for mob killing of 22-year-old thief in Jukulyn
More arrests are imminent since it is alleged that over 46 people participated in this heinous crime of vigilantism that led to the murder.
The Rietgat police arrested five suspects who are believed to have taken part in the mob killing of a 22-year-old known “thug” in Jukulyn.
The deceased grabbed a cellphone of a community member on Saturday, March 11 and made off with it but, unfortunately, his luck ran out and he was caught.
A police spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka said after the deceased was caught, they took turns in beating him.
“They beat him with sjamboks and golf clubs which broke his limbs.
“They dragged him on the ground from Block R to Block X until he succumbed to his injuries.
“It is alleged that his ordeal lasted for hours and was certified dead on the scene by the Tshwane Emergency Services,” Maluleka stated.
He said an investigation into the murder was launched.
“The five suspects were arrested on Tuesday for the killing of the 22-year-old man.
“More arrests are imminent since it is alleged that over 46 people participated in this heinous crime of vigilantism that led to the murder.”
The Rietgat police strongly condemn mob justice.
“The public must stop taking the law into their own hands, but instead call the police after making a citizen arrest.
“It also emerged at the release of the Gauteng Provincial Crime Statistics today that the province experiences a spike in the murder cases emanating from vigilantism,” said Maluleka.
The station commander of Rietgat police, Brigadier Molatelo Maphoto emphasised to residents to avoid beating up suspects but to arrest them and the police will do the rest.
Maluleka said Brigadier Molatelo Maphoto had hosted a community imbizo in Block P the very same day of the murder where vigilantism was strongly slammed.
“This previous Saturday, the same day the murder was committed, Brigadier Maphoto and the CPF held a community imbizo in Block P and vigilantism was harshly condemned.
“Maphoto urged the community to report to the police and have faith in them. It is however evident that the message has fallen on deaf ears,” Maluleke said.
“The arrest of these community members now-turned-suspects will send a strong message to other residents that resorting to vigilantism only turns good citizens into criminals,” he emphasised.
All of the arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Soshanguve magistrate’s court in due course.
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