Mob justice linked to death of alleged robber accused of ‘witchcraft’
A man, who stood accused of a muti-killing and multiple robberies in Jerusalem, was killed in another apparent incident of mob justice in the informal settlement.
This comes after the discovery of a murdered man, whose mutilated body was found on Saturday, March 7, hidden in the bushes next to Wit Deep and Main Reef roads.
According to the Boksburg SAPS, some of his body parts, including eyes and mouth, were missing.
According to a resident, who asked to remain anonymous, scores of furious residents gathered at the spot they use for public meetings known as the ‘Circle’, where they publicly – and violently – killed the suspected criminal.
The mob justice victim was believed to be a member of a gang of robbers and murderers, whom they linked to the recent murder many describe as being linked to witchcraft.
The resident said the mob took custody of the suspect, tied his hands and legs with wires, before he was mercilessly beaten to death.
“He was kicked, punched, pelted with stones and beaten with sjamboks as well other objects,” said the source.
One resident told this publication that residents of Jerusalem threatened to vandalise all the shacks belonging to people suspected to be involved in criminal activities.
The Boksburg SAPS confirmed the two murders.
According to the station commander, Biggs Govender, information obtained by the SAPS indicates murder of the man, whose body was found on Saturday, was apparently for muti-purposes.
“No arrests had been made so far, but our detectives are investigating two cases of murder,” said Govender.
He urges community members to come forward with information which could lead to the arrests of the two men’s killers.
Witnesses are encouraged to directly relay their information to Govender on 011 841 6823.
The dead men are not identified yet.
Recently, two thieves were beaten by a mob in Angelo.
* Jerusalem informal settlement used to be part of the Reiger Park SAPS policing precinct, but it was early this year incorporated into the Boksburg SAPS policing precinct.
The Boksburg SAPS has undertaken that the station management will hold meetings with informal settlement community leaders to discuss ways in which to curb the growing number of people who are killed, raped and robbed. – @FanieFLK
