BY LERATO PHOSISI
JOHANNESBURG — Four Orange Farm residents accused of killing a man in a vigilante attack walked free on bail this week, after a magistrate rebuked police for what he called an inadequate investigation into the fatal assault.
The case stems from 20 May 2026, when a 38-year-old man, Sibusiso Mveleko was beaten to death in Poortjie following allegations that he had sexually molested children in the area. Police who responded to the scene found the victim lying on the ground with open head wounds and multiple injuries consistent with assault. Paramedics declared him dead on arrival.
According to community activist Nthabiseng Motshoeneng, residents confronted the man over claims he molested a 14-year-old boy and three other children. She said the victim’s mother and other locals questioned him, and he allegedly admitted to the acts. The admission sparked the fatal assault.
Motshoeneng further alleged the deceased was a traditional healer who used petroleum jelly on victims after the alleged molestations. Enraged residents entered his hut, where rituals were reportedly performed, and burned dolls found inside during the attack.
Police confirmed a rape case docket had previously been opened against the deceased. Community member Namhla Mkhwanazi told reporters the deceased’s younger brother was present and, upon hearing the confession, “became enraged and was the first to strike the deceased, demanding to know how many times he had implored him to cease the conduct.”
Nomthandazo Nkosi, 39, alleged her son was molested by the deceased in 2018 at age five. “He targeted only boys; this was for ritualistic purposes, as he was a traditional healer,” Nkosi claimed. “I am at last relieved, for the perpetrator now lies six feet beneath the earth, and countless other children have been spared.”
But another account of that morning has now emerged. David Mveloko, 42 years old, says he and his brother were on their way to work on 20 June 2026 when community members stopped them less than 30 minutes later.
The crowd told Mveloko they only wanted “the truth” from his brother about the child molestation allegations. Mveloko insists he would have allowed police to arrest his brother if he admitted guilt. “But the crowd did not wait for answers,” Mveloko said. “Before my brother could speak, members of the group began assaulting him. When I tried to intervene, I was also attacked and accused of protecting him.”
“My wish was for him to go to jail if he committed the crime, not to lose his life,” he added.The aftermath has left the family shaken. Four people have since been arrested, which Mveloko says brought some relief. Yet he still feels unsafe. The trauma has spilled into the next generation. His 17-year-old son is now afraid to attend school, where he is being called names and labelled as coming from “a witchcraft family.”
A murder docket was opened and four suspects were arrested. They made their first appearance at the Sebokeng Regional Magistrate’s Court in Houtkop on Thursday, 4 June 2026, facing murder charges. The matter was postponed to 9 June 2026 for further investigation, with all four remaining in custody.
On 9 June 2026, the case was again postponed because investigations were still ongoing. No bail was granted and the accused remained in custody. The matter was rolled over to 11 June 2026.
On 11 June 2026, defence attorney Lucky Sundani, representing three of the accused, argued that the State had no tangible evidence linking his clients to the killing and that they posed no danger to the community, having no prior convictions.
Presiding Magistrate Van Willig delivered a pointed verdict. He stated the case was not well investigated, noting it remained unclear who participated in the mob justice attack on the day of the incident. “Law enforcement is supposed to have enough evidence against the four arrested suspects, however it was not presented before the court,” Van Willig said.
During proceedings, the magistrate read a community petition backing the bail application. Among the reasons cited was frustration over perceived police inaction against violent crime. “The community is tired of witnessing violence in the community and the law enforcement not taking action against criminals,” the petition read.
Van Willig granted each accused bail of R1,000. He stressed he did not condone vigilantism. “Taking the law into their own hands may lead to high risk of being arrested,” he told the court.
The four were released on bail. The matter returns to the Sebokeng Regional Court in Houtkop on 4 August 2026 for further proceedings
