A Ravensmead family says their hopes for justice have been renewed after police arrested two suspects for the murder of their relative on Friday.
Hilton Pieterse, 31, was beaten and his head smashed with a concrete slab on December 16 by gangsters.
The gruesome murder happened in Rose Street in Ravensmead, and he died in hospital the following day.
The family took to Facebook to express their anger over the police’s handling of the case.
Speaking to the Daily Voice on January 11, his uncle Nosy Pieterse said: “The police have not visited my family yet. The murder weapon is still on the crime scene and the crime scene has been seriously compromised.
“Other evidence that is available has not yet been collected. The suspects are known to the family and to the police ,but they are still roaming the streets of Ravensmead.”
On Friday, cops nabbed two suspects aged 18 and 21 in the early hours.
The arrest followed pressure from the local CPF, who saw Pieterse’s posts on Facebook in which he begged for help with the case.
“We are glad about the progress that has been made,” he said.
“It is a pity that it took so long and pressure for the police to jump into action.
“However, with the information we have, we also know that it was more than just the two that were involved in the murder. We are looking forward to seeing more arrests.”
The family was still in possession of a cellphone belonging to one of the perpetrators that was left behind on the crime scene.
The bloodied concrete slab has also been left untouched.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the arrest.
“A murder case was registered at Ravensmead SAPS for investigation. Two suspects, aged 18 and 21, were arrested in this case on Friday, 22 January 2021, at about 3am. They are charged and will appear in Bellville Court (today).”
Ravensmead CPF secretary Jack Feris slammed the police for doing sloppy work and says they want action taken against the officers responsible.
“The CPF is still not happy with the manner this case was handled and wants heads to roll at SAPS for failing in their duties,” he says.
“Apart from heads rolling, we call upon the community to unite in this and all other acts of violence and murder.
“Our community must take a stand and even voluntarily organise themselves.
“The CPF expresses sincere condolences to the bereaved family and calls upon all authorities to leave no stone unturned that justice should be served.”