On 19 July 2020, two suspects allegedly entered into a kraal of Mr Khokela at Phillipton in Balfour. Even though the gate of the kraal was locked, a pliers was used to cut out the fence on the gate. The two men tried to take away one sheep.
It is alleged that during that process they were heard by the shepherd who came out and confronted the thieves. One suspect ran away and one fought with a shepherd.
Community members came out and assisted the shepherd. The suspect was assaulted and died on the scene.
The suspect who ran away was arrested by members of Stock Theft Unit and will appear at Seymour magistrate court on 21 July 2020.
Police condemns all acts of taking law in own hands by community members, resulting to the death of one of the suspects. A case of murder has been opened and under investigation.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner condemned the act of taking the law into their own hands by the Seymour community members. “No one is allowed to attack or murder another. When an offender is apprehended by community, he should be handed over to the police,” she said.
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