Suspect fighting for his life following mob justice
It is alleged that the man was caught stealing in another man’s homestead when the community was called to execute mob justice.
BUSHBUCKRIDGE – A suspect aged between 25 and 30 years is fighting for his life in hospital after he was severely assaulted and thrown into a grave alive by the angry community of Boikhutso village in Bushbuckridge on Monday evening.
An eyewitness added that it was not for the first time for the suspect to be caught stealing in the area.
According to a reliable source, the victim was taken to the local taxi rank where he was assaulted and his fingers pinched with a pliers.
Also read: Communities urged to refrain from mob justice
He was also given a shovel and a pick to dig his own grave after which he was thrown into it and the soil thrown into the same pit, while other members continued to assault him with a shovel on his head.
A video clip of the ordeal also went viral and with background voices heard calling for others to bring petrol so that the suspect could be burnt to death.
“He was rescued by police who arrived at the scene before the petrol could be found. He was rushed him to Mapulaneng hospital with serious head injuries,” added the source.
Police spokesperson, Brig Leonard Hlathi confirmed the incident. He added that the man had not laid charges against the community who assaulted him.
According to Hlathi, in many instances, victims of mob justice are reluctant to open charges against the community. “I have just been informed that the he is not intending to open a case,” he said.
Also read: Man beaten to death by mob justice
