Crime is a thorn in our lives. We have all experienced crime or have been exposed to crime one way or the other.
Criminals have taken over our communities and the police have their hands full in a bid to remove them from our streets.
Last week we were exposed to the horrific images of two teenagers who were exposed to mob justice in Daveyton. It is alleged the angry mob invaded Unity Secondary School, disrupting classes while searching for learners suspected of being part of a gang identified as the OVL in Daveyton.
It is alleged the gang has been terrorising the community for the past two years.
The 19-year-old was assaulted in full view of the learners and teachers. He was later dragged to a nearby open field and necklaced.
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He suffered severe burns. The police rescued him and he was rushed to a hospital where he is recovering.
Another suspected member was assaulted, stabbed and shot at outside his house by a group of community members. He was declared dead on the scene.
Two residents have been arrested in connection with the killings and the police have confirmed that neither of the boys could be linked to any of the crimes.
There were no previous cases opened with the police against the teenagers.
The problem with mob justice is there is never a thorough investigation into the allegations. One member of the community names a suspect and without testing the allegations, the community carries out the informal justice.
While we understand the level of frustration in the community, can we also be responsible for our actions?
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I have, through the years, heard from disgruntled residents saying they have lost faith in the law because criminals are arrested for a few days but later released back into the community.
As citizens we need to allow the police to carry out their duties, which include removing criminals from the streets, without taking the law into our own hands.
A second of excitement can ruin one’s life and the real culprits will be out roaming the streets freely.
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