The recent arrests of four suspects between the ages of 23 and 35, who have been connected with a Mob-justice incident in Thembalethu near George that led to the death of Abongile Mamkeli (30), a suspected housebreaker during early February 2022, should act as a deterrent and stern warning to community members to refrain from taking the Law into their own hands.
Such actions by members of the community will land themselves behind bars to be held accountable for their part in so-called “Bundu” court executions.
The four (accused, a 35-year-old woman and three men (aged between 23 and 34), were arrested following the discovery of the body of the man on Monday, 7 February 2022 who succumbed to his injuries in a parking lot of the Thembalethu police station after he was rescued from the mob.
Information later revealed that he was allegedly badly and fatally assaulted in Zone-4 Thembalethu with broom sticks and other blunt objects, resulting in multiple injuries and lacerations which led to his death.
At first, the investigation officer was left in the dark as there was no information forthcoming from the community. However, soon a breakthrough was made when the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Lucille van Rensburg, enquired in the vicinity of the crime scene. Her eyes were drawn to broken, blood-stained belts and a broom stick behind a door of a resident’s house in Zone 4, Thembalethu.
She was led to another structure in the same yard where she discovered the remaining broken piece of the broom stick.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the deceased was suspected of burglary at the specific house and that community members mobilised themselves and apprehended the deceased where after they assaulted him badly. Based on the evidence found and through thorough investigation, the four suspects were apprehended and charged with Murder.
They appeared in the George Magistrate’s Court on 9 February 2022 where the case was remanded to 31 March 2022, pending further investigation.
Two of the suspects were released as they could not be directly linked at the time. The other two accused, Ntomboxolo Mtsali (35) and Mbongeni Mtsali (34) were granted bail with strict conditions attached.
The Western Cape Provincial management has lauded the members for their concerted effort. They encourage the community to rather cooperate and assist the police by reporting criminal behaviour. Behaviour such as taking the law into their own hands will also get them on the wrong side of the Law which will result in a criminal record. The Police wants to restore the relationship with communities. Therefore, all needs to work together, hand in hand.
