Protests erupt after withdrawal of Vlakfontein murder charges
Protests erupted on the Golden Highway in Soweto on Friday, with residents of Vlakfontein expressing anger after charges were withdrawn against Vlakfontein murder accused Fita Khupe.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) earlier withdrew all charges against Khupe in the Lenasia Regional Court on Friday.
Khupe, together with Ernest Mabaso, were charged with murder and rape after allegedly killing seven members of a family at their home in Vlakfontein in October 2018.
Mabaso later committed suicide in his holding cell.
ALSO READ:NPA withdraws charges against Vlakfontein accused
The seven bodies - four children and three women - were found buried under sand in two separate rooms in the home.
Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo says officers were dispatched to the area.
"We have since despatched public order policing to monitor the situation.
"We are appealing to the community or the road users to avoid using that road at the moment, but our members are there monitoring the situation."
⚠️ALERT⚠️
— David Tembe (@AsktheChiefJMPD) June 7, 2019
Protest Action at Vlakfontein in the South of Joburg. Community members have barricaded Golden Highway with burning tyres & rocks. @JoburgMPD & Lenasia South @SAPoliceService officers are on scene. Motorists are advised to avoid & use K43 as an alternative. #JHBTraffic pic.twitter.com/b3L3anW3vA