SEBOKENG.- Bennet Chrindza (24) tragically lost his life recently at the hands of a person allegedly known to the community.

The Sebokeng police are investigating a case of murder after Chrindza was stabbed. According to Chrindza’s sister-in-law, he was heading back home with friends to Zone 14 from his pastor’s house in Zone 17 at around 22:00 when they realised they were being followed by three young men.

The sister-in-law said that Chrindza and his friends realised that they were about to be attacked when they reached a place called ‘pela lebaleng’ where they then decided to run in separate ways to escape the men. Chrindza was allegedly followed by the suspect up to the gate of his house where the suspect allegedly started stabbing him.

“He started calling for help from his brother (who was inside the yard) saying that he was being stabbed. Neighbours came out and realised they knew the suspect who then immediately ran away,” the sister-in-law said.

It is said that a passing ambulance was stopped, and its personnel tried to help the victim. Another three ambulances apparently also came by, but it was unfortunately too late as the victim lost his life. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, police spokesperson Nthabiseng Mokhachane said,

“It is alleged that the deceased was stabbed with a knife by a known suspect on January 23. The motive behind the killing is currently unknown.”

The following day the community allegedly came together and decided to embark on a manhunt for the suspect. After three days the suspect was eventually found in Zone 21, Westsidepark, by community members. Residents took justice into their own hands and ‘mob justice’ was meted out, to the suspect, before police arrived and took the suspect to hospital.

Mokhachane said the community members called for police assistance on January 26 and, “Upon arrival, the police took the suspect to Sebokeng Hospital for medical attention as he was injured. The suspect is under police custody, and will soon be called to appear before the court of law. The police would like to thank the community members for their assistance in apprehending the suspect and further plead that they refrain from any acts of vigilantism, as people cannot defeat violence with violence.”

A candlelight ceremony was held for the deceased in Zone 14 last Thursday, and Chrindza’s body was transported to his home country of Mozambique on Friday where he was buried on Saturday.