Brigadier Selvy Mohlala: Media statement issued by the office of the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga
For immediate release
To: All Media
MPUMALANGA POLICE CONDEMNS ACTS OF VIGILANTISM AS KEY WITNESS MURDERED
*Nelspruit: 14 August 2023 – The key witness in the murder case that was reported on Sunday 30 July 2023 whereby a female victim was found murdered next to IHC Church in Hluvukani was also found murdered in Utah Grazing Camp, Mhala last night Sunday 13 August 2023 at about 21:30.
It is alleged that the witness’s life was cut short by an unknown number of suspects who abducted him from Oakley, Culcutta.
Police followed information which led them to Utah grazing camp where the lifeless body of the witness was found with hands, feets and neck tied with wires. His body covered with braises.
The attack came shortly after the victim’s family house was set on fire by an angry mob and the victim’s vehicle burnt to ashes on Wednesday 09 August 2023.
The witness was requested to report at the nearest police station through media platforms for enquiry as police’s efforts to locate him were futile.
Investigations to his whereabouts were conducted until a whistleblower alerted police about his abduction.
Police immediately followed up on information which led them to Utah grazing camp where the witness was found tied up with wires, his body indicated that he was assaulted and already succumbed to the attack.
Police in Mpumalanga warned community members not to take the law into their hands and report wanted people to the authorities as their actions hampered police investigation.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela discouraged the lawlessness behavior displayed by those involved in the murder of the witness and said their actions narrowed possibilities of getting those behind the murder of the female victim behind bars. “We have now launched another investigation on the witness’ murder,” said the General.
Ends.
Media Enquiries:
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala
