HIGHVELD – Police are concerned over the increase in crime affecting mostly Sasol employees.
These crimes include malicious damage to property, such as the torching of cars and houses, and now murder.
In eMzinoni, a Sasol Mining employee was shot dead on 9th Street on Saturday, 8 October at about 11pm.
According to the police, the suspect returned from a tavern and was found by his landlord.
He sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and was taken to Bethal Hospital where he later died.
It is alleged that the 31-year-old man was threatened to stop going to work and to join the Amcu picketing.
Police said he opened a case of malicious damage to property in August after his car was torched.
Const Cynthia Mtsweni said there is no evidence that this incident is linked to the Amcu strike and the reason for the murder is still unknown.
“He told us some people threatened him if he continues to go to work.
“We are still investigating and though there are allegations that he received threats, we do not have any evidence to effect an arrest.
“We are calling on residents to help if they have any information.
“They can visit the police station or contact the station commander, Capt Abel Mahlangu, at 082 527 2965 or 072 77 4792.
“We will ensure that they remain anonymous.”
In Extension 8 in eMbalenhle, a Sasol employee’s car was set alight by unknown people.
The police said the victim was sleeping when he heard a noise outside, but ignored it.
His neighbors however began screaming and calling him.
His car was on fire and the neighbours helped to extinguish the fire.
In another incident, a rented room of a Sasol employee was torched while he was at work.
Police said everything burnt down and no one has yet been arrested.
Capt Magonseni Nkosi, cluster spokesman, said the police are concerned over the high increase in these types of crime and that the police are trying to do everything possible to arrest the perpetrators.
“We cannot win this war alone and urge the community to assist us.
“The police have conducted several community outreaches to bring awareness and to call on residents to work with the police.
“We continue to work hard so that we can apprehend the criminals.”
Over 10 cars have been torched since August and no one has yet been arrested.
