The Barberton SAPS had to rescue a 38-year-old suspect from an angry mob after he was caught at the Barberton dumpsite pushing a trolley that allegedly had a 19-year-old woman’s body hidden inside a bag.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, this incident occurred yesterday afternoon. Mohlala says the suspect was allegedly trying to dispose of the body at about 14:15.

“The suspicious-looking man caught the attention of three women when they saw him pushing the trolley that seemed too heavy for him. They stopped a taxi operator at the traffic lights, narrated to him what they had observed, and requested him to assist in investigating. As they went to the man, the bag fell down from his trolley. It was opened by one of these concerned citizens, and they were surprised to find the body of a female inside.

“The Barberton SAPS was immediately called, however, when they arrived, some community members had already started assaulting the man. The police managed to calm the situation down and the suspect was rescued from the angry mob. He was arrested and taken to hospital to receive treatment under police guard,” explains Mohlala.

According to him, the motive and cause of death have yet to be established, and a post-mortem will be conducted. Police investigations continue.