A 38-year-old man was killed during an alleged mob justice attack in Poortjie, leading to the arrest of four suspects.
According to Orange Farms SAPS, police responded to a complaint of vigilantism on 20 May, at approximately 11:20. On arrival, officers found the victim lying on the ground with open head wounds and multiple injuries across his body following an assault.
An ambulance was summoned to the scene, but the victim was declared dead.
Orange Farm SAPS Corporate Communication Sgt Shaan Motsapi explained that the deceased was assaulted by community members following allegations that he had raped young boys. It was further established that rape case dockets had previously been opened against the deceased and were still under investigation.
A murder case was registered for further investigation, leading to the arrest of four suspects.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder.
Acting Station Commander Colonel Thapelo Mofokeng urged community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
“Community members should respect the laws of the country and allow the criminal justice process to take its course,” said Mofokeng.
He added that when suspects are apprehended by the community, police should be contacted to allow the criminal justice system to take its course and to strengthen partnership policing between police and residents.
