Mecklenberg – A crime intelligence operation on Tuesday led to the arrest of five more suspects connected to the torching of four houses in Ntsoaneng village, Limpopo police said on Thursday.
This brings the total number of suspects arrested to nine, after they allegedly the torched homes belonging to people they suspected of being responsible for the death of 18-year-old Lesedi Malatji, according to a statement.
"She died in December last year, but the circumstances of her death were never reported to the police," said Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafelo Mojapelo.
"One of the arrested suspects is considered to be an instigator."
Provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba commended all members involved for enduring "sleepless nights" to ensure that justice prevailed.
"The arrest of these suspects will send a strong message that any acts of vigilantism will not be tolerated," said Ledwaba.
All nine suspects are expected to appear before Mecklenberg Magistrate's Court on Thursday.