Police confirm four dead in alleged mob justice attack

GRAPHIC CONTENT: The below article contains information that some may find disturbing.

Four people were killed in Zandspruit near Johannesburg at around 2am today (Wednesday), reportedly in a mob justice attack.

Provincial police have confirmed that another five people were badly injured.

Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele told the media that around 200 community members forcefully rounded up individuals they believed to be ‘terrorising the community’. The nine people were alleged to have been involved in several robberies in the area.

They were taken to a nearby sports field, beaten, tied up near tires, and reportedly set alight.

Makhubele said that when police arrived on the scene, they saw a large group of community members that had ‘circled the area’.

After being treated by paramedics, the five survivors were taken to hospital, where they are said to be in a critical condition.

“Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has condemned the incident. He has stated numerous times that vigilantism will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Makhubele.

Cases of murder and attempted murder have been opened.

Honeydew police spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan said the victims were aged between 20 and 30.

Makhubele urged community members who may have witnessed the incident or who have information to come forward. This may be done anonymously by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.