Johannesburg - Sixty-three residents of Etwatwa on the East Rand have been arrested by police after two people suspected of being members of a notorious local crime gang were beaten to death and their bodies left near the railway line on Monday night.
The accused who are expected to appear at the Benoni Magistrate's Court face charges that include public violence, possession of dangerous weapon and assault with grievous bodily harm.
Spokesperson for Gauteng Province Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini on Wednesday said the suspects were arrested after they allegedly attacked two people believed to members of the “OVL” criminal gang, whose members are said to be teenagers.
Police said residents armed with dangerous weapons were on a manhunt for OVL members who are believed to be involved in serious and violent crimes in the area.
Dlamini said: “At this stage investigations are continuing to establish if the victims were members of the gang or not”.
Two other people, were seriously injured, after the accused allegedly beat them up.
The injured were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police have warned community members against taking the law into their own hands. They encouraged residents to report crimes to the police.
African News Agency