Five people have been arrested in connection with the murder of three would-be robbers in Flagstaff, Eastern Cape police said on Tuesday.
“One of the would-be robbers, who escaped, is now informing police. He is in custody on an armed robbery charge.”
Godlwana said the community handed over two firearms apparently used in the botched robbery after the arrest of the five on Monday.
Four men broke into a house in Nkululekweni township, Flagstaff, on Friday evening.
The occupants called for help, and residents attacked the robbers.
Three of the intruders were dragged to a nearby dam and killed. The fourth man ran away.
A passerby discovered the bodies of the three on the banks of the dam on Saturday.
The bodies had multiple stab and bullet wounds. Their throats had been slit. The three were aged between 20 and 30.
“The five community members are appearing in the Flagstaff Magistrate's Court today (Tuesday) on three counts of murder. We are likely to make more arrests on this matter,” said Godlwana. – Sapa