The Bekkersdal Police have had enough of mob justice and vow a zero tolerance for perpetrators.
The last incident of mob justice in Bekkersdal occurred at around 8pm on Tuesday, 26 January where a 21-year-old man was assaulted and later succumbed to his injuries.
Since the incident, 14 suspects ranging from the ages of 17 to 52-years-old were arrested by the Bekkersdal Police.
According to Linkie Lefakane, Bekkersdal Police spokesperson, “The police received a complaint of mob justice at the Ghana section in Bekkersdal. They proceeded to the location and upon arrival a group of approximately 200 people were assaulting the young man.”
Police officers managed to rescue the man and took him to the police station. Unfortunately, it was already too late for the man and he later succumbed to his injuries at the police station.
The motive for the brutal attack is not yet known to police but all arrested suspects were charged with murder and have already appeared in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court.
Lefakane is positive that more arrests are expected to be made. Lefakane said the station have no real challenges regarding mob justice but when the need arises, they make use of public order police and the flying squad to create visibility.
Where there are reported incidents, we act swiftly and perpetrators are arrested,” Lefakane said.
She added the police through the Community Policing Forum (CPF) are also talking and educating the community during sector crime meetings.
Should someone have any information regarding community members involved in mob justice, Lefakane said witness protection will be utilised if necessary.
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