Seven people have been arrested in connection with the alleged mob killing of a 34-year-old Bohlokong man who was accused by community members of stealing property from a house in the area.
Police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring said the suspects, five men and two women aged between 24 and 50, were arrested on Thursday following an intelligence operation carried out by the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Executive Detective Service, which works with the Bethlehem Crime Intelligence, Bohlokong Crime Prevention and the Bethlehem Public Order Policing Unit.
The arrests stem from the death of Bikkie Mdakani, 34, from Extension 3 in Bohlokong, who died following an alleged attack by a group of residents in June.
Police said the incident occurred at about 6.20am on June 10 at Extension 8, Bohlokong, when Mdakani was allegedly confronted by members of the community after he was allegedly found in possession of property believed to have been stolen from a nearby house.
“The deceased was allegedly attacked by a group of community members who accused him of stealing property from a house in the area,” Mophiring said.
Mdakani suffered serious injuries during the attack and was hospitalized. He later succumbed to his injuries on June 12, prompting police to open a murder investigation.
After weeks of investigation, police identified the suspected perpetrators and traced them to their homes.
“On Thursday, July 2, 2026, the investigation team identified the suspects and their residential addresses. An intelligence-led operation led to the arrest of seven suspects,” Mophiring said.
The seven suspects were expected to appear in Bethlehem court on Friday on murder charges.
Police used the arrests to reiterate their opposition to vigilante violence and warn communities not to take the law into their own hands.
“The South African Police Service strongly condemns the acts of mafia justice and urges community members not to take the law into their own hands,” Mophiring said.
“Criminal activity must be reported to the police, who will investigate and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The police also called on young people to avoid criminal behavior.
“Young people are also encouraged to refrain from criminal activities because crime has serious consequences and ultimately does not pay.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za