Two men murdered by vigilante mob
They killed the alleged criminals because they are tired of being victims of crime
ORLANDO – The Komatipoort SAPS has warned local residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. This follows the murder of two men by vigilante mobs, in separate incidents. The vigilantes accused both of committing crimes in the area.
According to a community member, who asked not to be named, they killed the alleged criminals because they are tired of being victims of crime.
He said, “In the past we used to think that getting them arrested was the solution to the problem, but they are apprehended today, and two days later you see them on the streets again. So as community members we have decided to do something about crime affecting us, and which is taking place within our community.”
The resident admitted that what they had done was wrong, however, he also felt it is a fair response to some of the suspects’ crimes.
“Imagine someone comes into your house while you are asleep, rapes your wife and kids, and robs you of your belongings. Police successfully arrest him and then you see him on the streets, free. What would your reaction be to this?” he asked.
Police currently don’t have any suspects in custody. By the time they arrived at the murder scenes, most of the community members had already left.
According to Komatipoort police spokesman, Const Natacia Mbuyane, the first incident took place late last year.
“On December 27 at about 17:15, Mr Oupa Sambo (32) was stoned to death and burnt by an unknown mob. The body of the deceased was found at the Orlando dumping site,” said Mbuyane.
On January 6, at around 22:00 the SAPS received a report of another mob-justice killing in the same area.
The 27-year-old victim, who has been identified as Mr Mandlenkosi Kofie, was killed in a similar manner to Sambo. His body was also discovered at the same location.
According to a source, community members chose the specific location to kill the two men because it was secluded.
He said, “These people are burnt at dumping site by the community, and they make very sure that no one films the whole thing”.
Mbuyane confirmed that both of the murder victims had previously been involved in crimes.
She said, “Both of them were identified, and they were found to be suspects in a number of cases, including house robbery and attempted-murder cases, which are still under investigation.”
Komatipoort Police Station commander, Lt Col John Madonsela said, “A suspect is innocent until proven guilty by the court of law. The community should know that no one is above the law”.
