Ishmael Jali, Thaane Michael, Papiki Paulos Mokubelo and Mojalefa Piet Musa appeared in Wepener Magistrate Court on Monday 4 October 2021 for what is regarded as vigilantism acts. It is alleged that the four suspects kidnapped three African males from Kanana and Ebehaeser-hoogte near Wepener on Friday 24 September 2021 and took them to Caledon river at Jammerdrift Farm.

According to the two victims’ statements, a group of people in separate minibus taxis kidnapped and assaulted them accusing them of committing robberies at foreign nationals’ stores. The beating took place from Kanana and Ebehaeser-hoogte and continued at the river. The third victim was beaten to a point where he was unable to move anymore and that is when the other two were loaded back into the minibus and taken back to Kanana and Ebehaeser-hoogte.

The other victim, 18-year-old Moratehi Sylvester Khiba was last seen lying motionless in the river by the two other victims on the night of the incident. His sister-in-law, arrived at Wepener Police Station the following day and reported Moratehi missing. The police search team was tasked from the time the crime was reported and the search for missing Moratehi Sylvester Khiba continues. The four suspects were granted bail fixed at R300-00 by the court.

Any member of the public who might have information that might help the police to find Moratehi Sylvester Khiba is requested to contact Detective Warrant Officer Matailane Johannes Mothibi at 073 4048 277 or 051 5835 227. Alternatively the information can be submitted on MySAPS App.

Source: South African Police Service