Angry community metes out mob justice as robberies increase
Caught in the act of stealing, a criminal was severely assaulted by Philip Nel Park residents last week. WARNING: Article contains graphic images.
Andrew Ngozo
Gatvol residents of Philip Nel Park beat a criminal to a pulp in an incident of mob justice last week.
The residents have been victim of escalating crime, and Zachariah Dlamini, also a resident, said the community reacted with anger when two men were caught redhanded breaking into a house on Gustav Street to steal a plasma-screen TV.
“When the criminals realised they had been spotted, they tried to flee but one was apprehended by the community and severely assaulted. An ambulance later transported him to hospital in a critical condition,” he said. His fleeing accomplice, said Dlamini, was later arrested by the metro police.
Another resident Robert Mabusela said the criminals were likely targeting unoccupied houses during the day.
“At this time of the year, they also prey on the large number of students in the area. They even attacked a student commune over the weekend. Most robberies occur between 10:00 and 12:00 when students and families are at work or in school. People must always be vigilant at that time of day and neighbours should look out for one another,” he said
Dlamini said crime was high because of there were open spaces with long grass in the area which made for easy hiding places for criminals.
“There are also many prostitutes in the area and where there is prostitution, crime will always thrive,” he said.
Dlamini said the community had taken it upon itself to keep the neighbourhood safe. “We have intensified night patrols and increased vigilance during the day. We hope that together with the police, we will win the war against crime,” said Dlamini.
DA councillor for the area Elma Nel said the high levels of crime in Philip Nel Park was unacceptable. She said: “The government must take a stronger stance on crime prevention. The government recently showed a lack of will when President Zuma did not even mention crime in the 2016 state-of-the-nation address. The increase in crime is due to the high level of unemployment. No indication was given, whatsoever, of how he intended to resolve this escalating disaster,” said Nel.
Police spokesperson Captain Louise Reed said she would investigate the matter.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
