A case of murder as well as an inquest was opened at the Witbank Police Station. Both are being investigated as cases of possible mob justice.
On Sunday, 17 July a call was received from Witbank Hospital where police was informed of a prisoner who has passed on. The suspect was arrested on Friday, 15 July for theft of six motor vehicles.
One particular motor vehicle was a white Nissan Hardbody and the driver parked the vehicle at a shopping centre in town on July 15, where it was stolen. He then received a call from a friend at approximately 19:50 on the same day and was informed that his vehicle was recovered at a car dealership. According to police, the suspect was found close to the vehicle where he was allegedly assaulted by community members and taken to hospital for medical attention. This is also where he died on Sunday.
A murder case has been opened and is being investigated.
Another possible case of mob justice was reported to the police on Saturday, July 16. The police received another call from Witbank Hospital at about 11:30.
Two of the hospital staff were interviewed, who said that the patient was admitted to hospital on Saturday, July 9. He was assaulted by members of the community in Old Coronation. According to hospital staff, the patient had several wounds and a doctor declared the body.
“We urge the community to not take the law into their own hands and rather let the police handle the situation,” Capt Eddie Hall, police spokesperson said.
Capt Hall also said that the bodies have not yet been identified by time of print.
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