Three Boschkop mob justice attacks in one month, two deaths

Three men were assaulted by members of the local community in three separate so-called “mob justice” attacks in the Boschkop area within a single month, according to local police.

Only one of the men survived, said police spokesperson Constable Yeroboam Mbatsane.

The incidents happened at Pienaarspoort, Skierlik and Lethabong.

The first victim, aged 30, was reportedly caught red-handed inside a house by a group of people in the Pienaarspoort informal settlement and was beaten to death.

“The community was searching for the second victim, aged 40, in connection with housebreaking in the Skierlik area and he was found hiding in Mamelodi were he was beaten to death,” said Mbatsane.

The third victim, aged 41, survived after he was caught by community members beating his children and accusing them of stealing.

Acting Boschkop police station commander Captain Barret Brits reminded residents that it is a criminal offence to take the law into their own hands.

Anyone involved in such street justice may be arrested and faces a jail term, he said.

Mbatsane said members of the public should call the police instead.

“Residents are advised to apprehend and hand over any suspected criminals to the police,” he said.

“You can call 10 111 or 112 from any cellphone network. If the police take more than an hour to arrive, you can check with the sector manager in your area,” he said.

He said police have already started investigating the three incidents and warned that anyone who took the law into their own hands would be arrested.

Boschkop police can be contacted at 071 675 5502, 071 675 7350 or via the MySAPS app for any anonymous tip.

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