The community of Diepsloot, North West of Johannesburg have expressed frustration with the continued postponement of the case against five of their fellow residents who were arrested in connection with the mob killing of seven suspected criminals at the beginning of the month.
The men had the case against them postponed to Monday for a bail hearing date. The prosecution asked for more time to verify the physical address of one of the accused.
“We understand the court processes but I can tell you that the community of Diepsloot is very angry. As leadership we are in contact with residents daily and I can tell you that there was even an attempt to go to the streets but we discouraged that because we don’t want chaos,” said Nkala.
Nkala said the community came to court hoping to take home their own who remain in detention.
Mother of three Winnie Seisa whose partner is among the five arrested men accused the court of lacking a sense of urgency.
She said the police had more than a week to verify the address of the fifth accused and could have done so if officers took the matter seriously. Seisa said her children are restless with their father away.
“It’s difficult, each day is a struggle, I don’t know what to tell the kids because I’m unable to keep it together myself,”she said.
She also questioned the credibility of the witness who apparently pointed out the men and is scheduled to identify them at a police parade.
“The criminals were killed by the community and now this bitter person who is jealous who just went and pointed them, she said.
“The community has also rejected claims by police that there’s work being done to curb crime in the area. Nkala said it is not just the police’s but the entire government is neglecting Diepsloot.
“ There’s no development at all there so crime thrives and residents suffer,” said Nkala.
The media has been barred from recording proceedings in the case until an identity parade is held.