No arrests after mob justice burning
No arrests have been made after two men, suspected of murdering two children, were burned to death in a house at Mganduzweni early last Thursday morning.
MASOYI – They were suspected of being involved in the murder of two young siblings whose bodies were found last Wednesday morning. Police spokesman, Brig Leonard Hlathi stated that one of the girls was also believed to have been raped.
Angry community members, led by a local sangoma, went on a rampage looking for the suspects at about 02:00.
The first victim, aged 24, was kidnapped at his home which was set alight soon thereafter. He was then forced to lead the mob to the house of the second victim, a 36-year-old pastor. Upon arrival they forcefully grabbed him and burned both of them alive. Both their houses were torched as well.
According to the communications officer of SAPS Masoyi, Nanike Nonyane, the girls, sisters aged five and six, went to school on Tuesday morning and later came home with their little brother. They were last seen playing near their house.
Police were informed and a search was immediately launched. Their bodies were found in a ditch near a stream early on Wednesday morning.
The two men, believed to be connected with the murder, included a pastor after the community claimed to have seen blood at his house, indicating the siblings might have been murdered there.
A reliable source alleged that the suspects had a list of targeted children and that the girls were abducted by suspects driving an Iveco minibus.
Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Pat Ngomane urged traditional healers not to incite mob justice.
“The healers must not use their calling to help criminals escape from being punished or even be seen to be contributing towards perpetuation of crime and violence in communities.”
Ngomane also lambasted community members for taking the law into their own hands.
He said: “While losing children or family members is deeply hurtful, communities should remain calm. No person should take the law into their own hands, but we should all work with the police by providing them with information to solve crime cases,”
He called on members of the public to assist with any information that may lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible for the horrendous deeds.
He concluded by extending his heartfelt condolences to the affected family. The funeral service for the two children was held on Sunday at Mganduzweni.
