Two men, aged 25 and 28, were rescued from an angry mob by the police in Mpumalanga after the body of Sibongiseni Sithole (19) was found in Botleng village, Delmas, on Sunday.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli says the suspects were victims of a mob justice incident prior to their rescue and arrest.

The house of one of the suspects was also torched.

“The police and paramedics were alerted by the community about the murder. Sithole was certified dead at the scene. He had sustained head injuries and stab wounds to his upper body. A murder case has been opened.”

Mdhluli says while the police were on the scene, they received a call about an angry mob assaulting two men.

“On arrival, the angry mob was calmed, and the police managed to take the two men away and call for an ambulance. The 25-year-old was taken to hospital for medical treatment after he sustained injuries and is under police guard.”

He says a preliminary investigation revealed the two are suspected of Sithole’s murder.

Mdhluli adds that the police found blood stains on the door and windows of the house that was torched, as well as substances suspected to be traditional medicine.

The two are expected to appear in the Delmas District Court soon.