The murder case against four men accused of killing a 46-year-old man in a mob-justice attack in Malamulele has been postponed to 16 February for a formal bail application.
The suspects, aged between 30 and 46, appeared in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 2 February, facing a charge of murder.
Police said the incident occurred in Jerome village on Monday, 26 January. The deceased, Andrew Mbikiza, and his friend were allegedly taken by the suspects, who accused them of committing crimes in the area.
The two were taken to one of the suspects’ homes, where they were brutally assaulted with sjamboks in what police described as an act of mob justice.
The assault continued until Mbikiza’s mother intervened. Both victims were then taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Mbikiza later succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Tuesday, 27 January, at about 04:50.
Police were alerted to the death and rushed to the hospital, where medical staff found Mbikiza’s body on a bed with severe injuries.
A manhunt was launched, leading to the arrest of four male suspects during an intelligence-driven operation in Mavambe village between Friday, 30 January, and Saturday, 31 January.
Police said the motive for the attack was linked to allegations of criminal activity in the area. Investigations are continuing.
Authorities again warned communities against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that mob justice is a serious criminal offence.