Ugu Cluster Commander Major-General Sethenya Nxamagele reiterated her warning that vigilantism will not be tolerated.
She condemned the actions of more than 100 men who attacked three men in KwaCele last Saturday.
Scottburgh SAPS responded to a report of mob violence just inland of Scottburgh, where a group of more than 100 community members were attacking three men with sticks, sjamboks and knobkerries.
“Police managed to disperse the enraged crowd and summoned the ambulance. Paramedics stabilised two of the critically wounded victims at the scene before transporting them to the GJ Crookes Hospital in Scottburgh by ambulance,” said Scottburgh SAPS communications officer, Captain Vincent Pandarum.
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Samkelo Cele died at the scene. Police identified key perpetrators who were then taken into custody.
It was established that the local community had experienced a series of burglaries but, however, failed to report these to the SAPS for investigation, opting to take matters into their own hands.
Earlier in the day, the three men had allegedly burgled a homestead and were stumbled upon by community members who gave chase.
The trio’s hands and legs were bound with ropes and they were set upon by community members.
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Thabani Magubane, Ayanda Mbele, Gibson Msabala, Tike Nyawose and Senzo Phungula appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 5 facing charges of murder and attempted murder.
They were granted bail of R1 000 each and the case was postponed until March 23.
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