Man held for vigilante killing
2005-04-01 12:31
Johannesburg - A 34-year-old vigilante has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 22-year-old youth in Mayflower, near Ermelo, on Thursday, said Mpumalanga police.
Captain Abie Khaobane said on Friday that the vigilante was walking in the area when he identified Smanga Nkosi as a suspect wanted for robbery, attempted murder and car theft.
The vigilante grabbed Nkosi and started accusing him of the charges.
He threatened to arrest him for the charges and handcuffed him.
Khaobane said the vigilante was not a police officer and therefore had no right to arrest Nkosi.
Nkosi also produces knife
Meanwhile two of Nkosi's friends tried to intervene, but the vigilante produced a knife.
Nkosi managed to free himself and also produced a knife.
The vigilante later took out a firearm.
As Nkosi and his friends were running away, he fired one shot, injuring Nkosi in his lower back. Nkosi died on the spot.
The friends escaped unharmed.
The vigilante was arrested later and was due to appear in Mayflower magistrate's court.
Police are still determining if they wanted Nkosi on any criminal charges.
- SAPA