On 6 January 2021, Tongaat detectives arrested three suspects at Mahlabathini area for kidnapping and murder. They are expected to appear in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court tomorrow on charges of kidnapping and murder.
It is alleged that on 27 December 2020, Samkelo Cele (22) was assaulted and kidnapped by three men after he stole dagga worth R3000-00. He was forced into a taxi by the suspects who drove with him from Tongaat to Verulam. Police were informed and a case was opened for investigation.
An intensive investigation that was conducted by Tongaat detectives led police to the arrest of the suspects aged between 20 and 29. The men took police to the crime scene at Cottonlands in Verulam. They pointed out the body of Cele which was burnt beyond recognition in the bushes. It is alleged that Cele was assaulted and burnt to death.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula commended the Tongaat police for arresting the suspects who thought that they could get away after taking the law into their hands. “No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Police are there to assist and arrest criminals. We assure those who continue to commit criminal activities that they will receive a deserving sentence after they are arrested,” he said.
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