Pinetown police have confirmed that the alleged kidnapping that occurred in central Pinetown on Tuesday was a misunderstanding that led to the tragic death of two innocent men.
Community members turned violent, stoning and stabbing the men, who they assumed were kidnapping a young boy, Highway Mail reported.
Police spokesperson Captain Bongumusa Manqele said the seven-year-old child, who is mentally challenged, was with his dad’s friend, Mlungisi Nxumalo waiting for his father when tragedy struck.
“The child’s dad had just gone to the shops when the child started screaming for him. When Mlungisi tried to calm him down, the boy hit the car window, and that is when the bystanders accused Mlungisi of kidnapping the boy,” said Manqele.
A second man, whose identity is unknown at the moment, tried to intervene and was also beaten up by the mob and died on scene. Mlungisi died on his way to hospital.
Manqele also confirmed the rumours that the two men were foreigners and reports that the child was tied up and bundled into the car boot were untrue.
“A case of double murder is being investigated by Pinetown Police Station,” said Manqele.
Pinetown detectives are requesting assistance in tracing the relatives of the unknown man.
Manqele said the unknown man is an African who is about 40 years old. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a grey T-shirt.
– Caxton News Service
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