PIENAAR – Incidents of mob justice is on the increase across the province and started raising its ugly head around February this year.
That was when a suspect was brutally killed by a mob in Tonga for an alleged double murder and rape that had occurred.
Mpumalanga News learnt that this area and it surroundings were at the top of the list of affected places after four people had been beaten to death in various incidents of mob justice within four months.
Even though the local police sent a warning to people who were taking the law into their own hands, it seemed like it had fallen on deaf ears.
Recently, a 32-year-old man died on his way to Themba Hospital after he was referred by Msogwaba Clinic. He had been severely assaulted by an angry crowd.
The deceased, Mr Given Mahlalela was attacked after he was accused of theft. At this stage it is not even clear what he supposedly had stolen.
Local police station spokesperson Lt Jabu Ndubane said,
“When we arrived at the scene of the assault, the community failed to tell us what he was accused of stealing. This is totally wrong. It’s not the first time we have had to attend incidents like this and it is becoming more. So far no one has been arrested,” explained Ndubane.
Mr Muzi Ngomane of Etigutjini section was brutally assaulted by furious community members. He was stripped naked, tied up and severely beaten after he was accused of stealing from a certain home. He died on his way to Themba Hospital.
The MEC for community safety, liaison and security, Mr Vusi Shongwe said,
“I urge community members not take the law into their own hands. They must report crimes to the police for they are trained to deal with it.” Shongwe added,
“The local police station is the biggest one in the province, which means that it must have the capacity to deal with all kinds of crises and crimes.
This is not a banana republic where people can do as they please,” he concluded.
