Theft suspect killed, another one in hospital after mob attack in Thembisa
The two suspects, aged between 21 and 27, were beaten and set alight by members of the community.
A woman screaming for help woke the residents of Tembisa’s Dali Mpofu informal settlement and Motsu Section on February 14.
ALSO READ: Mob justice leaves one dead in Winnie Mandela
When two unidentified men were seen fleeing the house, community members gave chase and cornered the pair.
It is believed they were in possession of the unidentified woman’s smartphone.
The suspects were beaten and set alight by community members, according to the Tembisa SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Patricia Mgijima.
“One suspect died from his wounds.
“The second was saved because officers called an ambulance. Paramedics transported the man to Tembisa Hospital, where he was stabilised.
“In the suspects’ possession were a decoder and a cellphone. Police opened a case of murder,” said Mgijima.
ALSO READ: Man killed in alleged mob justice attack
Brigadier Sookraj, the station commander of Tembisa Police Station, denounced the acts of vigilantism and mob justice.
“It is beneficial for the neighbourhood to assist the police with a citizen’s arrest so that the suspect may, if feasible, be connected to more cases, but when the neighbourhood breaks the law, it becomes a crime,” warned Sookraj.
Sookraj encouraged the victim to come forward and report the matter because if no one does, the police will have to release the culprit.
Also follow us on:
