Delft police have arrested five men in connection with the murder of an alleged phone thief. Photo by Misheck Makora
COPS in Delft in the Western Cape are investigating a brutal vigilante killing.
This after a man accused of stealing a cellphone was beaten to death by angry residents.
The shocking incident happened on Wednesday evening, 18 February, near the Delft taxi rank in Voorbrug.
Residents said the man allegedly stole a phone and attempted to flee, but community members gave chase.
His friends managed to escape, but he was caught and assaulted.
“The incident happened on Wednesday evening. I just heard people screaming that there was a thief. Later, I heard that someone had been killed,” said a resident.
Another resident said the victim had been troubling people in the area.
“Abahlali are happy because he allegedly terrorised people here. People were tired,” said the resident.
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On Thursday, cops arrested suspects linked to the killing.
Police spokesman Constable Ndakhe Gwala confirmed the case.
“Delft police are investigating a case of murder following an incident that occurred on the main road opposite the Delft taxi rank in Voorbrug, on Wednesday 18 February 2026, where a 30-year-old male was assaulted to death,” he said.
He said the victim was accused of robbery.
“The deceased was accused of robbing a cellphone. He sustained injuries on the back of his head and upper body,” said Gwala.
He confirmed that arrests were made.
“Five suspects between the ages of 20 and 38 were arrested, and they appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s court,” he said.
Residents said tensions remain high in the area.
They said the family of the victim destroyed the shacks of those arrested.
“The matter is sensitive. The family of the deceased was angry, but at the same time, some residents are saying they are relieved,” said a resident.
The suspects appeared in Bellville Magistrates Court, but community members did not attend to support them.
“The families of those arrested were upset that abahlali did not go to court. It seems people are now distancing themselves,” said the resident.
The suspects remain behind bars and will return to court on 27 February for a bail application.
Cops say investigations are ongoing and warned residents not to take the law into their own hands.
Misheck Makora
www.snl24.com
