VANDERBIJLPARK – A dramatic scene played out on the evening of February, 18, as a man in his twenties narrowly escaped death at the hands of an angry mob after being accused of attempted burglary on Everest Street.
According to eyewitnesses, the man was spotted attempting to burglarize a residence, triggering a swift response from angry residents.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, a resident who refused to be named recounted the scene as it played out.
“We saw the man jump the gate and loitering in the yard as if he was looking for something to steal. He had already taken some steel valuables when we screamed for help and he attempted to run.
The angry residents came out in their numbers, chased him, and ‘pane-beaten’ him,” he said.
The situation quickly escalated as the crowd descended upon the alleged thief, delivering a merciless beating that left him unconscious and seemingly lifeless on the street.
It was only when security personnel from Sekuriteit responded to a text sent via WhatsApp that the man was given a second chance at life.
Police and medical services arrived at the scene to find the beaten man lying in the middle of the street, battered but still breathing.
Vanderbijlpark police spokesman Sergeant Sabelo Sigcu confirmed the incident but noted a lack of official information.
“The victim of the mob justice or his/her family is always encouraged and advised to open a case docket,” he stated.
