POLITICS

"'He's dead - it's time to party!'" - Daily Sun

"While Itumeleng's mother cried for her son, others were pleased their kids can walk free" - front page lead, May 14 2015

Daily Sun (May 14 2015) - WORD SPREAD through the village that a man had been caught and killed for stealing.

People gathered to stare at the bloodied corpse lying on the ground near his mother’s house.

THEN THE MORGUE VAN TOOK THE BODY AWAY . . . AND THE CELEBRATIONS STARTED.

People ran behind the van with the body of the young troublemaker in the back, ululating, singing and blowing whistles. It looked as if they were following the wedding car at a wedding celebration. Itumeleng Tankiso (21) was stabbed to death with a variety of sharp objects, including knives, on Tuesday night.

He was released on bail for murder on Friday after being behind bars for nine days.

But three days after he was freed, he was caught robbing and stabbing a woman.

Many residents of Phase 2 kasi in Mangaung, Free State, believe they will walk freely on the streets without fear, now.

“People are tired of being harassed so they held a meeting to discuss how to deal with the problem. The residents decided to remove him from our community,” said Sello Motsime (34).

When Daily Sun arrived at the scene, Itumeleng’s body was surrounded by residents who clearly felt no sympathy for the dead man.

“I am happy he was brutally killed,” said one woman.

“If you use violence against people, you must expect to have the same means used against you. I’m happy that I will be able to send my kids to the shops even after dark.”

A schoolgirl said she once lost her cellphone to the robber.

“We were living in fear but I will now enjoy my evening studies at school,” she said.

Itumeleng’s mother witnessed the killing but was too upset to talk to the media.

Police spokeswoman Constable Joy Xaba said Itumeleng was released on bail after being charged with murder.

“He had other cases which included housebreaking and theft. Kagisanong police are investigating a case of murder after the man was allegedly killed by residents. No one has been arrested.”

See the Daily Sun’s new website for more on this and other stories....

 

The Daily Sun is South Africa's largest daily newspaper with an average circulation of 274 165 (Audit Bureau of Circulations 2nd Quarter 2014) and a readership of 5.7m (as per AMPS 2012ab). Its Facebook page can be accessed here. It can be followed on Twitter here. To find about advertising on the Daily Sun click here.

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