A 28-YEAR-OLD man is believed to have been killed by a group of angry residents after he was believed to have stolen electricity cables in KwaNdengezi.
According to Colonel Jay Naicker, the man was already dead by the time the police arrived at the scene in Mkhangoma Road. He also noted that the man was covered in various injuries all over his body.
“It is alleged that the man was caught cutting and stealing electricity cables when community members mobilised and assaulted him. They are said to have accused him of causing electricity failure in the area, since many houses have electricity problems due to cable theft. He was allegedly assaulted, stabbed and hacked to death,” said Naicker.
The KwaNdengezi police opened a case of murder but no arrests have been made. The police urges anyone with information on the murder suspects, or anyone who can assist in identifying the deceased to call 031 704 7041 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, condemned the killing of the suspect. “We need to emphasise that any form of vigilantism will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be arrested, prosecuted and sent to prison. We urge members of the community to work together with the police and Community Policing Forums by giving them information about criminal activities in their areas so that criminals can be arrested. No person should take the law into their own hands,” she said.
