Premier Modise condemns Zeerust vigilantism
North West Premier Thandi Modise has condemned the alleged assault and torching of a businessman and his wife by community members who appeared in the Zeerust Magistrates Court on Monday.
“Those who take the law unto themselves instead of reporting crime to authorities in the criminal judiciary system undermine the rule of law. These acts of lawlessness should be stamped out before society is plunged into vicious cycle of violence based on unproven allegations,” highlighted Premier Modise in condemning in the strongest terms possible vigilantism.
Modise wished the businessman and his wife a speedy recovery and also urged police to investigate allegations levelled against them.
The 22 suspects between the ages of 18 and 57 were arrested for public violence, malicious damage to property and arson in Kruisrivier informal settlement near Zeerust on the 29 January 2014.
According to police about 300 community members are alleged to have stoned and set alight local businessman Tshepo Kraai’s house and tuck shop at around 21:00 am accusing him of the alleged child kidnapping and ritual killings in the township.
“Five of Kraais’s vehicles were allegedly burnt down. The victim and his wife were transported to the hospital with burnt wounds,” Captain Pelonomi Makau had said at the time.
The victim and his wife were transported to the hospital with burnt wounds.
The suspected were all remanded in police custody pending their bail application to be heard on Monday 10 February 2014.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
