Vusi Reginald “Khekhe” Mathibela, known to Mamelodi residents as “Tsotsi Number One,” has been arrested and will appear in court soon.
On Tuesday, 12 March 2019, Political Analysis SA reported on the arrests of six men from Mamelodi who were linked to Mathibela and were believed to have been terrorising Mamelodi residents for years. Mathibela, who is believed to have been the mastermind behind acts of extortion and intimidation, was not arrested with the group on Monday morning, 11 March 2019, but handed himself over to the police on Tuesday evening.
“On Monday, police in Mamelodi East had obtained a warrant for the arrest of Mathibela for extortion, intimidation and assault. Vusi ‘Khekhe’ Mathibela is alleged to have been part of a group terrorising the community of Mamelodi over a period of time,” said Police Spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo.
On Friday, 1 March 2019, Police Minister Bheki Cele alongside MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, launched a specialised unit of 100 police officers in Mamelodi. This unit was tasked with curbing crime in the community following complaints of extortion and intimidation from residents.
The specialised unit has produced significant results since its launch, arresting the Mamelodi men believed to be affiliated with the Tsotsi Number One group. The unit also arrested suspects in connection with the murder of Matwetwe star Sibusiso Khwinana. Speaking at Khwinana’s funeral, Cele promised to rid Mamelodi of all criminal activity.
“The long arm of the law knows no boundaries and will forever take its course no matter who you are. Residents of Mamelodi have been living in fear for far too long, the authority of the State will be felt and heard in all corners of South Africa,” he said.
Mathibela is expected to appear in court soon.
Abenathi Gqomo
a.gqomo@politicalanalysis.co.za
