A 48-year-old man from Soweto was found dead on Wednesday, 29 January, after being allegedly attacked by community members for stealing bathroom basins from St James Anglican Church in Diepkloof, Soweto. His lifeless body was discovered under a tree next to the church, with the stolen basins lying beside him.
The man, described by locals as a habitual troublemaker, had reportedly been involved in stealing from the community on several occasions. “He was known to be troublesome, often seen smoking nyaope,” said a family member who wished to remain anonymous. The family expressed shock at the discovery, as they had not seen him for a while. “He is resting now, and we can also rest,” said the relative, adding that they were uncertain about the details of his death.
Henry Mogapi, a church warden at St James Anglican Church, shared that this was not the first time the church had been targeted. “Just last week, I found that the toilets had been vandalized, and four urine systems were stolen,” he explained. “This morning, a patroller alerted me that someone had been caught leaving the church with stolen goods. When I arrived, I saw that a break-in had occurred, and four basins were missing. The thief was caught, but the others managed to escape.”
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a murder investigation would be opened following the alleged theft and subsequent attack. “No arrests have been made at this time,” she said, adding that police are continuing to investigate the incident.
The death has sparked mixed reactions within the community, with some expressing sympathy for the family while others expressed frustration over the ongoing issues of theft and vandalism in the area. As the investigation continues, the community remains shaken by the tragic events that unfolded.
