Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga has strongly condemned the senseless killing of a 23-year-old man allegedly at the hands of the community in Sada Township, Whittlesea near Komani (Queenstown).
It is alleged that during Wednesday night, 26 August 2020 the suspects, who were accusing the deceased of theft, went to his home and forcefully took him to a nearby school where he was allegedly severely assaulted. Police were summoned and on arrival, they found a group of people and the man who had died as a result of the assault. He had visible bruises on his body.
Cases of murder and public violence were opened and investigation led to the arrest of nine suspects, aged between 23 and 63 years old. Two suspects have been linked to the murder and charged as such while seven suspects have been charged for public violence and possession of dangerous weapons.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Lt Gen Ntshinga warned that “The SAPS will not condone nor tolerate acts of vigilantism as this is not the solution. Acts such as this is seen as counteracting our efforts of constructive and meaningful engagements with community leaders. We will not allow a state of lawlessness while stamping the authority of the State. We urge the community to work with the police in the fight against crime and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.”
South Africa Today – South Africa News
