FICKSBURG - Police investigations are underway following two separate incidents of vigilantism in which two male suspects were attacked by members of the Meqheleng community at Extension 11 and Zone 8. One male was killed and another badly assaulted and subsequently arrested with illegal firearm and ammunition.

On Sunday, 19 February 2023 at about 02:30, at Zone 8 Meqheleng near Ficksburg, a woman was reportedly attacked by a suspect who attempted to rob her with a firearm. The female victim sustained a wound on her forehead after she was beaten by suspect with a firearm. The community in the area came to her rescue and attacked the suspect, aged 28, and police were alerted. The suspect was found in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The suspect was arrested and taken to local hospital for further medical treatment. A case of attempted robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and for contravening the Immigration Act, has been opened. He is expected to appear before the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court as soon as he is discharged from the hospital.

In another incident at about 17:50 Extension 11 Meqheleng, the community members attacked a 28-year-old man who succumbed to injuries sustained. The motive behind is still unknown thus far. A case of murder is being investigated. No arrest has been made yet. Police investigations continue.

Police are once again sternly warning members of the communities not to resort to mob justice as it is not a solution to address any form of crime but to rather report any criminal acts or suspicious people to the police to allow the law to take its course.

Source: South African Police Service