Johannesburg - Six alleged gang members will appear in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate's Court on Friday after four people were stabbed to death, Free State police said.
“On January 1, when residents were celebrating New Year's eve, gang members went on the rampage by attacking and killing four people with knives,” Captain Stephen Thakeng said.
Tshepiso Dlamini, 28, was stabbed 13 times near Mpucuko School and died at the scene.
Tlali Coobi, 21, was stabbed to death in Kutloanong in a suspected gang-related attack, Thakeng said.
Sejana Mosala, 22, and Peelo Khoabane, 25, were also fatally stabbed in separate attacks.
A policeman from the local criminal record centre was hit with a stone on the side of his head while he was taking photographs of the scene where Mosala was killed. The policeman was treated at Welkom Medi-Clinic and a 33-year-old man was arrested.
On Thursday six people were arrested in connection with the four murders.
Thakeng said investigations were continuing to establish whether the four people killed were members of rival gangs.
Welkom police cluster commander Brigadier Daniel Mokone thanked the police and residents for their efforts to secure the arrests.
“Parents are also advised to know the whereabouts of their children, so that they can detect quickly their involvement in gangs at an early stage and... seek professional assistance,” Mokone said. - Sapa