Boipatong SAPS arrest suspect for grave vandalism

BOIPATONG - A joint effort between Boipatong SAPS and local community task team patrollers has resulted in the arrest of a suspect accused of vandalising graves by stealing steel number plates. On 13 August 2025, residents spotted an African male removing steel grave markers at the Boipatong cemetery. When confronted, he fled, but his photo was later circulated on the community WhatsApp group. Patrollers traced the suspect to his shack, where he admitted he was the man in the circulated picture. Identified as Edwin “Chippa” Mazibuko, he confessed he planned to sell the stolen plates at a scrapyard. Boipatong Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel S.P. Phonoshe praised the patrollers’ vigilance, saying the arrest proves the value of collaboration between police and the community. Mazibuko remains in custody.