Suspected meat thief assaulted in Mayflower, police intervene
The footage depicts a man surrounded by a group of people next to a bakkie loaded with various goods, including snacks
The local police are investigating an incident after a video of a man being assaulted had surfaced on social media on October 16.
The footage depicts a man surrounded by a group of people next to a bakkie loaded with various goods, including snacks.
As the man unloads the vehicle, black plastic bags concealing what appears to be stolen meat are seen.
The individuals in the video accuse the man of stealing the meat before physically assaulting him.
The police have expressed concern that no formal report of the incident has been filed with the authorities.
The video suggests a possible obstruction of justice, as those involved did not bring the man to the police.
They have since launched an investigation and successfully located the man featured in the video.
The acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the assault and warned against vigilantism.
“We have legitimate structures to combat crime, such as the community policing forums and the local police.
“Members of the public should work with law enforcement agencies instead of taking the law into their own hands,” Mkhwanazi said.
He emphasised that vigilantism can lead to further crimes like assault and even murder.
The police are continuing their investigation and said they would provide updates as they become available.
