Jossey Buthane, 40, was released on R1000 bail in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Friday after being charged with a number of crimes.

Motlafela Mojapelo, Limpopo police spokesman, says Buthane was charged with attempted murder, theft, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and kidnapping.

They were arrested on Thursday after being part of a group of people who allegedly wanted to eradicate crime in Seshego on January 12.

Mojapelo said Buthane and his three friends allegedly damaged property and allegedly kidnapped a man. The man was allegedly badly assaulted.

A firearm was also lost during the EFF’s “crime prevention” action.

Limpopo police chief Nneke Ledwaba says the actions of Buthane and his friends were illegal. “People should not take the law into their own hands.”

Buthane denies his involvement in any crime. He maintains that he has tried to eradicate crime and especially gang operations in Seshego.

This is not the first time Buthane, a close friend of Julius Malema, EFF leader, has been arrested.

He was arrested in Polokwane in 2018 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.