POLOKWANE – Police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, says three suspects between the ages of 23 and 28-years-old, were arrested on Tuesday for kidnapping, murder and attempted murder in a concerted effort to curb criminal activities emanating from acts of vigilantism.
Mojapelo says a tactical intelligence-led operation, comprising of members from crime intelligence, cluster visible policing, public order police service, the tactical response team and Senwabarwana detectives were involved in the apprehension of the three suspects.
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“The arrest of the trio follows an intense police investigation after two men were kidnapped on 15 January in Mokhurumela village,” Mojapelo explained.
The two victims were brutally hacked with sharp objects and left for dead in the bush. They were discovered by a passerby and police were summoned.
“Unfortunately one of the kidnapped victims passed on in hospital two days later and the other survived with serious injuries. Ironically, the three suspects were arrested at the compound of the local Pastor,” Mojapelo said.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, has cautioned communities to desist from engaging in any acts of vigilantism.
“We are aware about the accusations leveled against the local pastor by the community. We urge all those affected in this incident to give us an opportunity to conduct proper investigations. If there is anyone who participates in acts of mob justice, surely they will dealt with accordingly,” he concluded.
The suspects will appear in the Senwabarwana Magistrates Court soon on charges of murder and attempted murder.
