GEORGE NEWS - Two suspects from Thembalethu, Ntomboxolo Mtsali (35) and Mbongeni Mtsali (34), were granted bail with strict conditions after they were arrested for the murder of Abongile Mamkeli (30), a suspected housebreaker.
Mamkeli died due to injuries he sustained in a mob justice attack in Zone 4 on Monday 7 February.
Four suspects were initially arrested, but two of them were released as they could not be directly linked to the incident at the time.
"The arrests follow the discovery of the deceased's body in the parking lot of the Thembalethu police station where he succumbed to his injuries after he was rescued from the mob," said Southern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Malcolm Pojie.
Mamkeli was assaulted with broomsticks and other blunt objects, resulting in multiple injuries and lacerations.
"The recent arrests of the suspects 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 only land them behind bars to be held accountable for their part in so-called bundu court executions," said Pojie.
The investigation
"At first the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Lucille van Rensburg, was left in the dark as there was no information forthcoming from the community," said Pojie.
However, soon a breakthrough was made when Van Rensburg enquired about the incident in the vicinity of the crime scene where she noticed broken, blood-stained belts and a section of a broken broomstick behind a door of a resident's house. She was led to another structure in the same yard where she discovered the remaining piece of the broomstick.
"Preliminary investigation suggests that the deceased was suspected of burglary at that specific house and community members mobilised themselves and assaulted the deceased. Based on the evidence found and through thorough investigation, the suspects were apprehended and charged with murder," said Pojie.
They made their first appearance in the George Magistrate's Court on 9 February where the case was remanded to 31 March for further investigation.
Western Cape provincial management lauded the police members involved for their concerted effort and encourage the community to rather cooperate and assist the police by reporting criminal behaviour.
"The police wants to restore the relationship with communities. Therefore, everyone needs to take hands and work together," said Pojie.
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