Police arrested five men for attempted murder after a mob justice incident at Ext 5, eMbalenhle, last week.
They were allegedly part of a mob that assaulted a 26-year-old man with knobkieries and an axe.
According to Const Busi Mthethwa, spokesperson for eMbalenhle Police, they rescued the victim from an angry mob who accused the man of trying to steal a bakkie from a yard in the neighbourhood.
The victim was rushed to the hospital where he is fighting for his life.
The suspects will soon appear in court.
In a similar incident in December, a 19-year-old was beaten within an inch of his life. He later died in hospital.
The youth was allegedly terrorising the community of Ext 17. Residents alleged that the young man was involved in criminal activities, such as housebreaking (burglary) and theft.
The police arrested five community members in connection with his death.
They are facing murder charges.
The accused were released on bail of R1 000 each and the case is postponed to Wednesday, May 4.
Residents picketed outside the eMbalenhle Police Station after the arrests, demanding the release of the community members and accusing the police of protecting criminals.
Const Mthethwa warned the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
“We are still asking communities to refrain from mob justice because they act as a group, but he or she stands alone in a court of law.
“We want our community to work with us in combating crime. If they have any information regarding criminal activities elsewhere, they must report it to us.
“Their identities will be confidential,” said Const Mthethwa.
