Seven people have been arrested in connection with the alleged mob killing of a 34-year-old man in Bohlokong, Free State.
The suspects — five men and two women aged between 24 and 50 — were arrested on Thursday following an intelligence-driven operation led by the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Executive Detective Service. The operation was conducted in collaboration with Bethlehem Crime Intelligence, Bohlokong Crime Prevention and the Bethlehem Public Order Policing Unit.
Assault After Theft Allegation
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said the arrests stem from the death of Bikkie Mdakani, 34, from Extension 3 in Bohlokong.
The incident occurred on 10 June 2026 at around 6.20am in Extension 8.
“The deceased was allegedly assaulted by a group of community members who accused him of stealing property from a house in the area,” Mophiring said.
Mdakani was reportedly confronted by residents after he was allegedly found in possession of property suspected to have been stolen from a nearby house.
He sustained severe injuries during the assault and was admitted to hospital. He later died from his injuries on 12 June, prompting police to open a murder investigation.
Intelligence-Driven Operation
Following weeks of investigation, police identified the alleged perpetrators and traced them to their homes.
“On Thursday, 2 July 2026, the investigating team identified the suspects and their residential addresses. An intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of seven suspects,” Mophiring said.
The accused were expected to appear before the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of murder.
Police Condemn Mob Justice
Police used the arrests to strongly condemn vigilante violence and urged communities not to take the law into their own hands.
“The South African Police Service strongly condemns acts of mob justice and urges community members not to take the law into their own hands,” Mophiring said.
“Criminal activities should be reported to the police, who will investigate and ensure that perpetrators are brought before the courts.”
Police also appealed to young people to avoid criminal conduct, warning that crime carries serious consequences.
The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
