BOPHELONG – Sedibeng Police have made a breakthrough in recent gang violence by arresting seven suspects for murder, attempted murder and arson following clashes between rival groups known as Mopheme and Shibaibai.

The violence began on August 8 when rival groups clashed in a violent battle, leaving several people shot. One of the victims later died at Sharpeville Clinic while others were rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

The violence erupted again the following day when a group stormed the family home of the deceased person in Ext 14.

Three young men were killed during the attack, and the house was subsequently torched.

An intensive investigation by a multidisciplinary police team involving the Sedibeng Serious Violent Crime Investigation unit, Crime Intelligence, the K9 Unit and the Local Criminal Record Centre led detectives to several persons of interest.

Sedibeng District Police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela said between August 16 and 17, officers arrested seven suspects linked to the two cases, including a person believed to be the leader of the Mopheme group from Boipatong.

During the operation, police searched a vehicle linked to one of the suspects. The Sedibeng K9 Unit recovered a live round of ammunition and a cellphone belonging to one of the victims.

Maxambela warned that the investigation is ongoing as detectives follow up on new information and expect more arrests.

Brigadier Manamela praised the multidisciplinary team for its swift action.

“The SAPS will not allow rival groups to terrorise communities or take the law into their own hands. We will continue to pursue those responsible for violent crimes and ensure that they face the full might of the law,” Manamela said.