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UPDATE 3PM
Provincial police have confirmed to the media some of the details surrounding the burning of nine individuals, resulting in the death of four, in Zandspruit on 19 May.
Provincial spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele said that at about 2am on 19 May, a large group of approximately 200 community members forcefully rounded up individuals they believed to be “terrorising the community” by allegedly being involved in several robberies in the area.
The nine individuals were taken to a nearby sports field, beaten and tied up near tires, and set alight.
Makhubele said that when police arrived on the scene, they saw a large group of community members that had “circled the area”.
Four individuals succumbed to their injuries, while five were treated by responding paramedics. The surviving individuals are still in critical condition and are being treated in hospital.
“Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has condemned the incident. He also has stated numerous times that vigilantism will not be tolerated in our communities. A case of murder and attempted murder has been opened and is currently under investigation,” said Makhubele.
Honeydew police spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan said that the ages of the affected individuals are between 20 and 30 years old.
Makhubele further urged community members who may have witnessed the incident or know of those involved to come forward anonymously with information to help the police’s investigation.
Details: Crimestop – 08600 10111
ORIGINAL ARTICLE 9AM
Honeydew Police officers have reacted to an incident of alleged mob justice in Zandspruit, where four people have been burned to death during the early morning of 19 May.
Police spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan confirmed officers attended to the scene and the matter was under investigation.
“At this stage, our officers on the scene have informed me that four individuals have been burned to death. The issue of vigilantism in Zandspruit is rife, and is something to be discouraged in the community,” said Muthan.
ER24’s Russel Meiring said in a press statement that five other individuals were injured over and above the four deceased.
“On arrival, our medics found nine men bound, lying in the middle of the field near a smouldering tire. A large gathering of community members had circled the area. Medics assessed the men and found that four had already succumbed to their numerous burn wounds. Nothing could be done for them, and they were declared dead,” said Meiring.
Surviving individuals were treated and provided with advanced life support interventions before they were transported to nearby provincial hospitals for urgent care.
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