Community members take the law into their own hands

By Ilhaam Hoosain
02 December 2007

Saturday morning at approximately 02:30, an armed robbery occurred at a house in Zephania Motupeng Street, Samora Machal Informal Settlement.

It is alleged that three unknown men (two armed with knifes and one with a firearm), forced the door in front of the house open. The 26 year old male owner of the house and his female friend were inside the house when the suspects confronted them. The supescts took a wallet with contents and two cell phones from the victims.

“One of the suspects then allegedly stabbed the male victim with a knife in his neck, back and shoulder. He was taken to a nearby hospital and was discharged on Saturday morning (2007-12-01) after medical attention. His female friend sustained no visible injuries,” according to inspector Bernadine Steyn.

No shots were fired during the incident.

“The three suspects were about to flee the scene on foot, some members of the community allegedly caught one of the suspects. The unknown suspect was assaulted with sticks and stones after which several tyres were put on him and set alight. He died on the scene,” says Steyn.

A case of murder and armed robbery has been opened for investigation and anyone with information can contact the Investigating Officer, Inspector Abie Brown at the Nyanga Police station on (021) 380 3300.