VEREENIGING – Eight residents from Vereeniging have been released on bail after appearing at the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on February 11. Another suspect remains in custody after being undocumented.

The group is facing charges of murder and assault to cause grievous bodily harm following a mob justice incident on February 5. It is alleged that the community went on a hunt for suspects of infrastructure theft after being left in the dark for three consecutive days.

Police spokesperson Captain Teboho Lephoto says, “We can categorically confirm that the incident did occur and to date about nine suspects have been arrested and more arrests are still imminent. The matter is still before the court.”

During court proceedings, scores of residents were in attendance as a way to show solidarity with their community members. They said the incident highlights the mounting frustration of residents due to criminals doing as they please in the area.

“There are a lot of criminals roaming in the streets of Vereeniging. This area used to be one of the nicest towns but has since become a crime hub. Infrastructure vandalism and theft is one of the biggest problems facing the community.”

Irate residents blamed the police for the lack of action from their side.

“We are not saying that it is correct for residents to take the law into their own hands when they come across perpetrators of crime. The problem is that we are met with ignorance every time we raise issues about the crime rate in our community.”

The eight accused were released on bail pending further investigations. They are due to appear in court on March 13.