Three suspects have been arrested by the Gauteng police for the murder of a Mozambican national in Alexandra, while the manhunt for the fourth suspect continues. 35-year-old Emmanuel Sithole was stabbed on Saturday morning.
Sithole was reportedly a street vendor. Witnesses say he was approached by the suspects who took his goods without paying and thereafter an argument ensued before he was stabbed by black South Africans.
Foreigners often complain that black South Africans as well as the police take their belongings and threaten them if they complain.
The Sunday Times reported that the blacks were armed themselves with a wrench and knives.
At a press briefing for xenophobia on Sunday, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela said a team of officers were dispatched to track the suspects who were caught on camera, but the police say they are still investigating whether Sithole’s death was related to xenophobia or an act of criminality.
The murder was captured by a Sunday Times photographer. According to the report, they stalked Sithole, cornered him, stabbed him and left him for dead.
According to Colonel Dlamini from the SAPS, “Several exhibits that may be used as evidence will assist the arrest and police are hopeful that with the support of the members of the community and the media, the fourth suspect will be brought to book.”
The suspects are due to appear at Alexandra Court on Tuesday on charges of murder.
Earlier police offered a reward of up to R100 000 for information that may lead to the arrest and conviction of those who killed Sithole.