ORANGE FARM – Four suspects are due to appear briefly before the Sebokeng Magistrate’s Court today following a brutal mob justice murder in Poortjie.
The group allegedly hacked and stoned a 38-year-old man to death after accusations surfaced that he had raped young boys. Orange Farm Police officers responded to the scene of the vigilantism attack at around 11:20 on May 20. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim lying in a pool of blood with an open head wound and multiple injuries across his body. Paramedics were called to the scene to provide medical help, but the man was declared dead at the crime scene.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Shaan Motsapi confirmed that a rape case docket had previously been opened against the deceased and was still under investigation at the time of his death. Following the violent killing, police registered a murder case docket, which led to the arrest of the four suspects.
In light of the incident, Acting Station Commander Colonel Thapelo Mofokeng urged community members to stop taking the law into their own hands. He emphasised that the public must respect the law and allow the criminal justice process to take its course. Mofokeng added that the police and the community share responsibility to maintain an effective partnership.
“When the community apprehends a suspect, the police should be called to make the arrest so the justice system can do its job,” said Mofokeng.
