The case involving three suspects from Ghandlanani Mavambe in Malamulele, who were allegedly found stealing from a spaza shop and subsequently beaten by a mob before they were arrested by the police, was postponed for the second time on Monday, 21 August. Tsundzuka Khosa (24), Given Sithole (23), and Given Khuzwayo (23) appeared in the Malamulele Magistrate's Court once again, following their initial appearance on Monday, 14 August.
The trio was allegedly tracked down by residents on Monday, 12 August, after it was discovered that they had been stealing maize meal from a spaza shop owned by Somalians. One of the angry residents, who wished to remain anonymous, said they had been alerted by the "vimba call" (catch the thief) and apprehended the suspects near the Full Gospel church.
"We no longer felt safe because of them as we heard about burglaries in our village every day, especially during load shedding. It was a relief when they were caught because we are facing issues with people taking advantage and breaking into spaza shops and homes. That's why we disciplined those suspects, so that we can have peace again in our community. Many of us are not working, so when they steal, it worsens our situation," the source said.
Mr Always Baloyi, the councillor for Ward 21, stated that the community was grappling with unknown individuals who frequently robbed spaza shops and homes. "We have encountered numerous cases of local spaza shops being robbed, but we strongly condemn incidents where residents take the law into their own hands. I urge our community members to allow the police to carry out their duties," he said.
The communications officer of Malamulele SAPS, Sgt Busisiwe Khuzwayo, said that all three suspects were charged with burglary (business) and possession of suspected stolen property. "Their case was postponed until 19 September for a bail application," she said.