Four arrested for tying man up, beating him with sticks

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said Maria Lesia, 42, received a phone call about her son, Bongani Phama, 27, who was being assaulted.

He was accused of stealing from four men who reside on the same street.

“Bongani was tied to an electric pole and hit with wooden sticks and a garden spade. He later passed on and a case of murder was registered after the police were informed about the incident,” said Thakeng.

Three of the suspects – aged between 40 and 41 – were arrested and the fourth, a 24-year-old man, surrendered himself to the Thabong Police on Wednesday.

The four are expected to appear before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court imminently on charges of murder.

“The four suspects arrested are now facing the full might of the law and we are going to ensure that we have a water tight case as such criminality cannot be accepted,” said Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General BB Motswenyane.