ZAMDELA – Five men accused of murder and attempted murder in Zamdela appeared in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court.

The men were arrested at a residence in Mooidraai after a mob justice-related incident on March 18.

“Upon arrival, the police found three African males in their early 30s with multiple injuries. The victims had allegedly been assaulted by community members who accused them of stealing from a vehicle parked at a mechanic’s yard,” explained Fezile Dabi District police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani.

One of the victims was declared dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services.

The other two victims were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.

Rani said police condemned the incident and warned the community against taking the law into their own hands. The suspects, aged between 22 and 53, remain behind bars