RESIDENTS from Protea Glen extension 3 in Soweto took to the streets on Wednesday, 17 August.
But they were not protesting. They were celebrating the death of a alleged gang leader known as Batista, who was allegedly beaten to death by community members.
This after patrollers witnessed the gang trying to rob a resident. When the patrollers approached the scene, the group took out a gun and chased them away.
“The patrollers called the police several times with no response. They called out to members of the community, who came out and gave chase. The thugs were caught and beaten,” said a resident.
They added the gang is known in the kasi for rape, house breaking, selling drugs and robberies. It is alleged Batista was the boss.
“He was their boss who specialised in terrorising the community,’’ said another resident.
He was beaten to death while his three friends ended up being admitted to hospital. The residents also hunted down the remaining gang members, beat them up and handed them to the police. In total, seven tsotsis were caught by the community.
Gauteng police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo told Daily Sun: “The police have opened a case of murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“The allegations about the police’s late response will be investigated.”
