The residents of Utah village in Mpumalanga have, out of frustration, allegedly taken the law into their hands and killed Khanyisile Ngobeni’s murderer.
This after Ngobeni’s lifeless body was found in July. Police say her body was found on the street with her throat slit. She also sustained a stab wound to the chest.
During a hunt for the suspect on Tuesday, the community left a trail of destruction as they allegedly torched his house and a bakkie.
Reports say angry residents later captured the suspect and allegedly killed him.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala confirmed the murder of the key witness in Ngobeni’s murder case, saying the police are investigating.
“The witness was found dead in Utah Grazing Camp in Mhala,” said Mohlala.
“It is alleged that the witness’ life was cut short by an unknown number of suspects who abducted him from Oakley, Culcutta.
“His hands, feet and neck were tied with wires and his body covered with bruises.”
Mohlala said the residents have been warned not to take the law into their hands but instead report wanted people to the authorities.
It is alleged that the suspect was released from prison less than five years ago on yet another murder case of a woman. The woman was allegedly the mother of his child.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela discouraged the lawlessness behaviour displayed by those involved in the murder of the witness.
She said the actions of a crowd narrowed the possibilities of getting those behind the murder of Ngobeni.
“We have now launched another investigation on the witness’ murder,” said Manamela.
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