SAPS has launched a manhunt for suspects involved in the killing of Lynnville, eMalahleni, resident Vusimuzi Radebe, who died after being assaulted, allegedly by a group of community members, in an alleged vigilante attack on September 19.

The development follows growing calls for justice from Radebe’s family, who believe he was mistaken for a criminal while walking home from Kwa-Guqa to Lynnville, reports Witbank News.

Police open murder investigation

According to a media statement issued by SAPS, police responded to a complaint about an alleged act of vigilantism in Lynnville. When they arrived at the scene, officers found a man lying on the ground with visible injuries after he had allegedly been assaulted by a group of community members.

Emergency Medical Services personnel were summoned to the scene, but the victim was declared dead.

Police have since opened a murder case and confirmed that no arrests have been made yet.

“The motive for the attack cannot be confirmed at this stage and forms part of the ongoing investigation,” SAPS said.

Mistaken identity suspected

The latest police update comes after Radebe’s family publicly identified him as the victim and alleged that he was attacked after community members questioned him about where he was from. According to the family, Radebe explained that he lived in Kempton Park and had been visiting his grandmother in Kwa-Guqa before heading home to Lynnville.

The family believes assumptions were made about him because of recent violent incidents linked to Kempton Park, resulting in him being assaulted and killed.

Witbank News reached out to the family’s representative, Nonhlanhla Mathobela, who agreed to an interview after funeral arrangements had been finalised.

Provincial commissioner condemns vigilantism

While investigations continue, SAPS has strongly condemned acts of vigilantism and warned communities against taking the law into their own hands.

“Regardless of the alleged crime committed, no one has the right to assault or kill another person. Such actions are criminal, and those who participate in them will face the full might of the law,” police said.

Mpumalanga provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise has vowed that authorities will pursue everyone involved in the incident.

“We will deal decisively with this act of vigilantism. Taking the law into your own hands is a serious criminal offence and will never be tolerated. I have ordered that every resource be mobilised to hunt down those responsible for this senseless killing,” said Modise.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation or help identify the suspects to come forward. Information can be reported at the nearest police station, through the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111, or via the My SAPS app.

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