According to SAPS cluster spokesperson Capt Alfred Nakana, the six suspects had been terrorising the community, by stealing from a number of tuck-shops in the area.
“They stole from a tuck shop on the evening of November 15 and the owner of the shop managed to chase and apprehend one of the men,” said Nakana.
He added that some community members assaulted the suspect and he was taken to the Far East Rand Hospital.
“When the rest of the community heard that the suspect was taken to hospital, they went to the hospital on November 16, took him back to Lindelani and asked him to point out his partners in crime,” he said.
When the man refused, community members threatened him with mob justice.
The SAPS responded immediately and used minimal force to take the suspect from the community members
“Two community members were shot with rubber bullets,” said Nakana.
“The situation was tense; community members burnt tires and stoned a number of cars after the suspect was taken from them.
The SAPS and EMPD public order policing unit were called to the scene to stabilise the situation.
The SAPS and community members held a meeting, where the SAPS explained the procedure that will follow.
A follow-up meeting will be held on November 20, at Lindelani Hall.
“The assault on the suspect by the community will also be investigated,” concluded Nakana.
