Three killed in mob justice attacks

The Etwatwa SAPS station commander, Colonel Molatelo Maoto, urges community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and carrying out mob justice.

This comes after three men recently died after being assaulted in separate incidents in Barcelona and Emphupheni. One of the victims body was set alight.

One victim was accused of being a drug dealer, and the other two were allegedly caught stealing from a house in Etwatwa.

Maoto said they have noticed, with great concern, a rising number of mob justice cases being reported to the police.

According to Etwatwa SAPS Spokesperson Sergeant Khensani Mathebula, it was brought to their attention that there are people who claim to be from ‘a community neighbourhood watch’ who unlawfully access people’s homes and then assault the occupants.

Another group is said to target suspected criminals.

Mathebula said they condemn the killings.

“The police stand against all crime and will decisively deal with people who take the law into their own hands. Anyone concerned about crime must report it to the police so that the criminals can be brought to book,” said Mathebula.

He added that the police station had intensified police and patroller visibility at identified hotspots.

To report any criminal activities, call 071 6757 322 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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