Following the brutal murder of seven people over the weekend, police have arrested five suspects in the mob justice attacks in Diepslooot, Gauteng. The seven murdered are accused of criminal activities in the area.

FIRST SUSPECT IDENTIFIED BY AN EYE WITNESS

The SAPS team of detectives, led by the provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, was activated to investigate the murders. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the news of the arrest. "The team worked tirelessly and followed up on all information received. On Monday, 04 December 2023, one suspect was arrested after being identified by an eye witness and he further led the police to four more suspects. All five suspects aged between 30 and 38 are expected to appear before Randburg Magistrates Court on 06 December 2023," she said.

BODIES LYING IN THE STREET

Nevhuhulwi said that on Friday, police received information about two bodies that were lying in the street in Diepsloot extension 13. "Upon arrival at the scene, police found the burned bodies of two men. Both victims were certified dead on the scene. A few hours later, information was received about another incident of multiple murders in Diepsloot extension 12. Police proceeded to the scene and found five bodies that were also burned to death. "Preliminary investigation suggests that in both incidents, the victims were assaulted and burned by a group of community members. The motive for the killings will be determined by investigations," she said. Community members said that they were tired of lawlessness in the area and accused the police of doing nothing while they were being terrorised by thugs. In June, the community took to the streets threatening to keep protesting unless President Cyril Ramaphosa came to the area to address their issues. They said they were tired of living with terrorists who rape, kill, rob them and feed their children with drugs.