On Monday, 7 April, two separate murder incidents occurred in Extension 5, Orange Farm, raising concerns over increasing violence in the area.
In the first incident, the police were called to a crime scene where they discovered the body of a 58-year-old man lying in the veld. The victim had sustained severe head injuries and a hammer found nearby is suspected to be the weapon used in the murder. The motive for the killing remains unclear and no suspects have been arrested at this time.
Later that same day, the police responded to a second, even more disturbing crime scene. They discovered two burned bodies, showing signs of having been beaten before being set alight. The location of this gruesome crime was not far from where the 58-year-old man was found earlier in the morning.
“The police are investigating the possibility of vigilantism being involved in these killings, though the motive for both incidents is still unknown,” said Sgt. Shaan Motsapi from Orange Farm SAPS.
At present, no suspects have been arrested in connection with either of the murders. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be reported anonymously via MySAPS or by contacting Orange Farm SAPS directly at (011) 213 8023/ 8025/ 8026, or the crime stop number 08600 10111.
