MOTHERWELL – The South African Police Service has strongly condemned the brutal murder of two men who were allegedly assaulted and burned during two separate incidents in Motherwell during this past week.
The first incident was reported to police on Monday, 28 September 2020 at about 14:10. It is alleged that the severely burned body of Johannes Bantu (25) from Port Elizabeth was found amongst the rubble in Kaulela Street, NU 8 in Motherwell.
In the second incident, police were summoned to a scene on Tuesday, 29 September 2020 at about 20:00 by a community member who saw a man burning in Kaulela Street, NU 8 in Motherwell. The fire department extinguished the fire and the body of an unidentified male, believed to be in his early twenties, was found. It is further alleged that the victim sustained head injuries prior to being set alight. His identity is still unknown.
Two separate cases of murder are under investigation. Anyone who can assist the police in identifying the man or may know of a person that may be missing or searching for a relative is requested to contact SAPS Motherwell on 041 407 6402.
An appeal is also made to any person who can assist in tracing the suspects or any information relating to the deaths, to contact Detective Warrant Officer Marrilyn Jungli on 079 896 5903 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Tembisile Patekile has cautioned the community from taking the law into their own hands. “Criminals must be reported to the police. The community also need to partner with the police in anti-crime initiatives and stop these acts of vigilantism. One cannot solve crime by committing crime,” warned Maj Gen Patekile.

Source: South African Police Service