Five people killed and several injured in Khutsong - SAPS Media Statement

Five people killed and several injured in Khutsong

Media Statement from Gauteng Provincial Commissioner’s Office
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

3 November 2013

It is alleged that earlier today, Sunday 3 November 2013 approximately 400 Khutsong male community members gathered for a meeting on an open field in Extension 1 in the area. The meeting was to discuss the issue of gangsterism in the area and flyers were distributed in the community before the meeting. Shortly after the meeting commenced the group split in smaller groups, one of the groups proceeded to a house in Extension 3, attacked a 61 year old traditional healer and set him and his house alight, he died as a result of his injuries.

Splinter groups went and searched for known gangsters in the community. In Extension 4 phase 2, the group allegedly grabbed two men aged between 20 -24 years old, who belong to the Casanova gang. They assaulted the two and set them alight. They died at the scene.

They then proceeded to Extension 5, Carletonville, and assaulted various alleged gangsters they encountered on the street. Two alleged gang members were stoned, one died on the scene and the other at the Carletonville Hospital.

Police vehicles who responded to the calls were stoned and damaged. No injuries were reported to any of the SAPS members. One community member who was assaulted by the group is in a stable condition in hospital.

Police have increased visibility in the area, and also called in the assistance from the Public Order Policing Unit to stabilise the area (POPS). Currently the area is volatile and police are patrolling the area.

The investigations will be conducted by the Provincial Investigation Unit. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10 111 or crime Line at SMS 32211. No arrests were made. We are appealing to the community not to take the law into their own hands. We are urging them to come forward with any information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators as any violent and vigilante acts cannot be condoned, said the acting Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Lesetja Mothiba.

-End-

Statement issued by the SAPS a/Gauteng Provincial Commissioner
Lieutenant General Lesetja Mothiba

Media Enquiries:

Brigadier Neville Malila (082 411 4030)
Provincial Head: Corporate Communication
GAUTENG
E-mail: malilan@saps.gov.za