Seven arrested over alleged mob killing in Free State

Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a 34-year-old man who died after being assaulted by a group of community members in Bohlokong, Free State.

The arrests were made on Thursday during an intelligence-driven operation led by the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Executive Detective Service, working alongside Bethlehem Crime Intelligence, Bohlokong Crime Prevention and the Bethlehem Public Order Policing Unit.

In a statement police said that the victim, identified as Bikkie Mdakani from Extension 3 in Bohlokong, was allegedly attacked by residents after they accused him of stealing property from a house in the area.

The incident occurred on 10 June at about 06:20 in Extension 8, where Mdakani was allegedly confronted by a group of community members after he was found in possession of suspected stolen items.

He sustained serious injuries during the assault and was admitted to a local hospital, where he died two days later. A murder case was subsequently opened for investigation.

Police said investigators later identified the alleged perpetrators and traced them to their homes.

The operation resulted in the arrest of five men and two women, aged between 24 and 50.

The seven suspects are expected to appear in the Bethlehem Magistrate's Court on Friday on charges of murder.

The South African Police Service condemned acts of mob justice, warning communities against taking the law into their own hands.

Police urged residents to report suspected criminal activity to law enforcement instead of resorting to violence, saying criminal cases should be investigated through the justice system.

The SAPS also appealed to young people to avoid criminal activity, warning that crime carries serious consequences.