The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Orange Farm has confirmed that two separate murder cases are under investigation following violent incidents in Drieziek 3 and Drieziek 4.
According to Orange Farm SAPS communication officer, Sgt Shaan Motsapi, the first incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, 31 August, in Drieziek 4.
“Police were called to the scene where the body of a male victim was discovered lying near a residential property. He had sustained multiple stab wounds. It is alleged that the attack was carried out by a group known as ‘50’, who have reportedly been terrorizing the community. A case of murder has been opened and is under investigation. No arrests have been made at this stage,” said Motsapi.
The same group is also believed to be behind several house attacks in the area on the same day, where windows were smashed with stones and residents were stabbed, leaving some hospitalized. The violence has left Drieziek 4 residents living in fear, with schools also disrupted.
In a separate incident on Monday, 1 September, around 22h00, three men were brutally killed near the Multi-Purpose Centre in Drieziek 3 in what police suspect to be an act of mob justice.
“Upon arrival, officers were met with hostility and were pelted with stones by community members. Backup units were dispatched to stabilize the situation. At the scene, police discovered three male bodies that had been set alight with tyres. They were burned beyond recognition, and only one of the victims has been identified so far,” Motsapi explained.
He further confirmed: “A docket of murder with three counts has been opened. The motive behind the killings remains unknown at this stage, and no suspects have been arrested.”
The SAPS has strongly condemned acts of violence and vigilantism.“We urge community members not to take the law into their own hands. Anyone with information that can assist in these investigations or lead to the arrest of suspects is encouraged to contact Orange Farm SAPS or use the MySAPS App and Crime Stop line,” added Motsapi.
