12 suspects arrested for burning, killing four males

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Twelve people were arrested for an act of vigilantism in Nana’s Farm, Lenasia on Friday.

They allegedly burned and killed four males accused of being involved in criminal activities in the area. Two other males were badly injured by the same suspects and taken to the hospital.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the mob aged between 19 and 62, accosted six males whom they accused of house breaking and theft.

“They then assaulted and burned them. Four were certified dead on the scene while two others were taken to the hospital in a serious condition,” he stated.

Police provincial commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni has strongly condemns the acts of vigilantism.

He warned that those who take the law into their hands will be dealt with decisively.

“Taking the law into your hands or vigilantism is a serious criminal offense and will not be tolerated. The community members are encouraged to work with the police.

“The best thing that the community could do was to apprehend the people they suspect of committing crime and hand them over to the police, for the law to take its course.

“Assaulting and murdering people is a conduct of the criminals, and arrest of these community members should be a deterrent,” he remarked.

All the suspects are facing charges of murder and attempted murder and they are expected to appear before Lenasia magistrate’s court on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, three suspects were arrested in Potchefstroom and Bloemhof respectively, for dealing in drugs.

Suspects nabbed with large quantity of dagga

The suspects were arrested following the formation of a team in Potchefstroom in October 2024, to arrest unknown suspects alleged to be transporting a large quantity of dagga between Gauteng and North West Provinces.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said intelligence driven operation was conducted on Monday, by their members and other role players including a private security company.

He added that during the operation, a Toyota Hilux with two occupants was stopped in Potchefstroom and found loaded with 440 kilograms of dagga.

“The two occupants; a woman and a man, were arrested. The second Toyota Hilux was stopped on the N12 road in Bloemhof, and a man was arrested after the vehicle was found loaded with 259 kilograms of dagga. 

“It was established that both vehicles were in transit to Kimberley in the Northern Cape Province. Police are still looking for the fourth suspect who attempted to bribe a police officer by depositing R20 000.00 into the member’s account,” he explained.

Mokgwabone stated that both vehicles used in the commission of the crimes confiscated.

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He continued; “Monica Mnyakeni, 60, and Gerald Mnyakeni, 25, appeared in the Potchefstroom magistrates’ court on Thursday, and they remain in custody until their next appearance on Wednesday.

“In Bloemhof, Khumbo Mahlalela, 24, appeared in court on Wednesday, 11 December 2024. He was remanded in custody until Monday, 23 December, for bail application. Investigations into the cases are underway.”

The police provincial commissioner, Sello Kwena commended members who ensured the arrests of alleged drug traffickers.