SEBOKENG – It is believed that the incident was sparked by the murder of Bhekumuzi Kanni Khumalo (29) who was found lying in a pool of blood just a few metres away from his home.
The Khumalo family said in the early hours of Sunday morning they were alerted by a community member that Kanni had been stabbed. They rushed to the scene where they found him with multiple stab wounds. “We called for help and rushed him to Sebokeng Hospital where he was declared dead. As a family, we are devastated by the loss of our son, who was humble and loving. We are now focusing on making funeral arrangements and laying him to rest.”
The family said that they were shocked when they heard that an angry group of people had hunted down the alleged suspects and set them alight. Police spokesperson Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane confirmed the incident. “It is reported that the three men robbed and killed a 29-year-old male who was staying in the same neighbourhood. The community was mobilised and went searching for the suspects.”
Mokhachane said the community found the alleged suspects hiding inside a container and took them to Sebokeng Zone 12, where they assaulted and burned them. “All three vigilantism victims were declared dead at the scene.”
According to Mokhachane a separate murder case docket was launched for Khumalo. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has strongly condemned this act of vigilantism. “We are sending a stern warning to the community members who take the law into their own hands.
The community should have reported the matter to police and allowed investigation to unfold. Those who were involved in this act of vigilantism will be hunted down and subjected to the full might of the law.”
Three Torched to death in vigilantism
The police are investigating three counts of murder after three alleged killers were assaulted and set alight by angry community members from Zone 12.
