MJEJANE – The Komatipoort police are investigating two cases of attempted murder, after two male victims survived mob attacks by angry community members on Sunday.
In the first incident, Mr Thomas Mabuza was seriously assaulted by the people, who fled when they heard that the police had been called to the scene.
“By the time police officers arrived, there was no one, except for the injured victim. He was taken to Tonga Hospital for medical attention, and is making a steady recovery,” station commander Lt Col John Madonsela said.
Later that day police received another tip-off of mob justice in the same area. Mr Nhlanhla Mabaso was severely injured but also saved by the arrival of the police.
He was admitted at the Tonga Hospital for treatment.
Madonsela said they were concerned about the fact that the individuals attacked had not been reported as suspects in any crimes. “This makes them victims of crimes rather than suspects. We are aware that sometimes community members have knowledge of criminals and also do not report crimes. However, when they take the law into their own hands, it constitutes as a crime on its own, which we can not allow,” he said.
Madonsela appealed to the community members to report all crime incidents, no matter how small, instead of dishing out their own brand of justice.
