Seven people have been arrested in connection with the alleged mob killing of a man (34) in Bohlokong, Bethlehem, following a police investigation.

The suspects, comprising five men and two women aged between 24 and 50, were arrested on Thursday 2 July during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the police.

The operation was carried out by detectives from the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Executive Detective Service, assisted by Bethlehem Crime Intelligence, Bohlokong Crime Prevention and the Bethlehem Public Order Policing Unit.

Police allege that Bikkie Mdakani, a resident of Extension 3, Bohlokong, was assaulted by a group of community members after he was allegedly found in possession of property suspected to have been stolen from a nearby house.

The incident occurred at approximately 06:20 on Wednesday 10 June in Extension 8, Bohlokong. Mdakani sustained serious injuries during the assault and was admitted to hospital, where he died two days later on Friday 12 June.

A murder investigation was launched, leading detectives to identify the alleged suspects and their residential addresses. The subsequent operation resulted in the arrest of all seven suspects.

The accused are expected to appear before the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court today on charges of murder.

Police has warned against acts of mob justice, stating that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. The police urged residents to report criminal activity through proper legal channels, allowing investigations to proceed and suspects to be prosecuted in court.

Police also appealed to young people to avoid criminal behaviour, warning that crime carries serious legal consequences and that justice must be served through the courts rather than by vigilantism.