Sakhile CPF patrollers face murder charges

Eight members of the Sakhile CPF patrollers appeared before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on April 13, facing charges of murder.

The arrests stem from the alleged assault and killing of a 37-year-old man in Ext 4, Sakhile, on April 4.

The victim was suspected of stealing tekkies from a local residence.

According to Sakhile police spokesperson Sergeant Themba Mnisi, the patrollers responded to a community complaint about the alleged theft.

They reportedly located the suspect, who then led them to the place where the shoes were allegedly taken.

It is alleged that the patrollers assaulted the man, who later died at the scene.

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Sakhile CPF chairperson, Abram Madonsela, confirmed that the organisation is taking responsibility for the incident.

“After the incident was reported, I went to the scene in Ext 4, where I found a man lying on the ground.

“He was certified dead. We condemn the acts of violence by our patrollers and we will not comment further as the matter is before the court,” said Madonsela.

He further acknowledged shortcomings within the structure, particularly the lack of adequate training for patrollers.

“We blame ourselves as a structure for failing to provide proper training on how to handle crime suspects.

“We are currently arranging the necessary training for all patrollers, as they play a vital role in the fight against crime,” he added.

The case has been postponed to April 20 for the availability of one of the suspects’ attorneys.

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