Three men plead guilty to mob killing in eMbalenhle, case postponed

The Evander Magistrate’s Court on June 4 postponed the case against three men accused of murdering 24-year-old Abram Masiteng from eMbalenhle.

The arrest of Khawulezile Nono, Aphiwe Mje, and Bongumusa Gojela followed the discovery of Masiteng’s tied-up body in a river in Ext 21, eMbalenhle, on February 15.

According to police reports, authorities received a complaint that day about an act of mob justice in the area. Masiteng had been accused of stealing a television and a cellphone.

He was allegedly dragged to a kraal near the Wellas River and then thrown into the water. Public order police were dispatched and launched a search operation.

Initially, officers could not locate Masiteng, but the search continued into the night. Eventually, they spotted a human leg protruding from the water near the riverbank.

With assistance from a Jelani Security officer, police retrieved the body, which was found naked, covered in bruises, and tightly bound with a rope around the neck and private parts.

Masiteng was later identified by a family member. An investigation led to the arrest of the three suspects.

All three were denied bail in March. They have pleaded guilty to the murder charge, and the case has been postponed to July 4 for further investigation.

ALSO READ: Mahlaba elected as new council speaker for Lekwa

ALSO READ: WATCH: Puff Adder found in BMW during service in Secunda startles technician