Free State, South Africa – In Bultfontein, members of the Crime Prevention Unit encountered a disturbing scene at Kgotha Informal Section, Phahameng, during their patrol on the evening of 17 November 2023. They found community members blocking the R700 road and discovered three males who had been severely assaulted by the crowd.

According to South African Police Service, Witnesses reported that the victims were part of the “Maroma” gang, known for terrorizing the local community with burglaries. They were allegedly caught in the act of committing a crime when the community members took matters into their own hands. One of the men, believed to be 24 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

A case of murder and two counts of attempted murder has been registered, and the police are seeking information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the vigilante action. Detective Sergeant Aupa Tshabalala of Bultfontein Detective Services is leading the investigation.

Brigadier Envor Solomon, the Acting District Commissioner of Lejweleputswa, has appealed to residents to refrain from vigilantism and to trust the justice system to handle suspected criminals. He warned that anyone found taking the law into their own hands would face legal repercussions.