Kraaifontein police are investigating the deaths of three men found near a dam in Wallacedene, Western Cape, on Monday morning, with early indications pointing to possible vigilantism.
Story Summary:
- The bodies of three men with signs of fatal injuries were found near a Wallacedene dam, suspected to be linked to vigilantism.
- Police have requested public assistance to gather more information on the incident.
- Investigators are probing potential connections to a prior murder case involving an elderly woman in the same area.
Wallacedene triple murder: Police suspect vigilantism
The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported that the bodies were discovered around 08:30 on a farm along Botfontein Road.
The victims had suffered severe injuries consistent with violent assault, raising suspicions that their deaths might be the result of extrajudicial retaliation by members of the community.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed, and the motive for the killings remains unclear.
Police have appealed to the public to provide any relevant information that could assist in reconstructing the events leading to the deaths.
The investigation is currently focused on gathering evidence to understand what led to the triple murder.
Detectives are also exploring whether this incident is connected to other recent crimes in Wallacedene, as the area has experienced heightened criminal activity over the past few months.
The most recent incident to send shockwaves across the Wallacedene community occurred in August 2024, when 64-year-old Nophumela Makeleni was viciously killed in her shack.
According to reports, Makeleni was approached by two men under the guise of buying meat, who then followed her inside and fatally shot her.
Two suspects, Siyabonga Kholakele and Yanele Mangweni, were recently apprehended in connection with Makeleni’s murder after authorities issued a R100,000 cash reward.
