KWAMHLANGA- A 27-year-old man was brutally killed by mob justice after being accused of witchraft in Skoongesig village.
The incident happenee on August 5 when neighbours responded to the calls for help from a woman who told them that the 27-year-old, well known in the area that he suffers from mental illness, came to her house naked and told her that he was sent by God.
“More community members gathered and decided to take the law into their own hands by severely assaulting the man. He was taken to a local clinic by ambulance but was certified dead on arrival,” says Lt Leonard Hlathi.
This act has since infuriated the acting provincial commissioner, Major General Meshack Nogwanya who strongly condemned the act.
“A community is supposed to protect its vulnerable members. A mentally ill person who is not showing any signs of violence was harmless. All they had to do was to call the police but they decided to take the law into their own hands and now a life has been lost. Vigilantism is a criminal offence,”he said.
“Investigation into the murder of this man will leave no stone unturned until perpetrators are prosecuted. I therefore appeal to the citizens of Mpumalanga to abide by the law and to work with the police where crime is suspected” continued Nogwanya.
The police are investigating a case of murder and will appreciate any help from the community.
Any person with information may contact Lieutenant Colonel Sibongile Vilakazi on 082 318 9651 or 013 947 4000.
