South African communities have been marred by incidents of mob justice, which have left a trail of destruction and burnt bodies as frustrated community members “punish” alleged criminals.

On Tuesday, IOL reported that police in Mpumalanga have strongly condemned the brutal murder and torching of two individuals in incidents of mob justice around Barberton.

According to preliminary reports, police received information at around midday about a mob justice incident in Barberton Extension.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of an individual who had allegedly been assaulted then set alight using vehicle tyres.

“A short while later, at around 12:20 pm, police were alerted to a second, similar incident at the (Barberton) Extension 13 sports ground, where another victim was also found burned,” said provincial police spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.

It is alleged that both deceased individuals were suspected by some community members of being involved in a series of house robberies in the area.

Speaking to IOL, seasoned crime analyst Calvin Rafadi condemned the acts of mob justice, warning communities of the grave consequences and criminality around taking the law into their own hands.

Rafadi stressed that mob justice is a “serious crime” committed by community members against suspected offenders.

He cautioned that those involved in such vigilante violence can be prosecuted and face charges such as murder.

“This type of act reminds us of the kangaroo courts during the apartheid era, where even innocent people were prosecuted without evidence or trial, and ultimately killed,” Rafadi said.

He reminded communities that citizens’ arrest is legally recognised in South Africa’s justice system, urging people to familiarise themselves with the correct legal procedures instead of resorting to  mob violence.

Rafadi further warned that while crime affects everyone in South Africa, many instances of mob justice stem from individuals seeking personal revenge, hatred, or social tensions.

“Some innocent people are being falsely accused,” said Rafadi, who is a Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg.

“Nowadays, with many of our young people struggling with drug abuse, there is a danger that communities will turn against one another, mobilising mobs to brutally kill instead of seeking justice.”

On the other hand, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, has stated that acts of vigilantism are a crime, and those who commit such activities should be treated as criminals.

Macie said that although community involvement in the fight against crime is always encouraged by the government, mob justice will never be accepted.

“Taking the law into your own hands as communities can never be tolerated in this country. That is why we have courts all over the country. Your role as communities is to bring evidence forward and testify against those suspected of securing a sentence that will put them behind bars. 

“Vigilantism is a crime, and once you commit it, then you become equally a criminal, and unfortunately police will do their work and put you behind bars too.

Let us not be discouraged to report those causing troubles in our communities.  Continue to work with the police and community forums to bring about stability and a crime free community,” he said. 

Macie has also called for calm in the community of Barberton, while police continue with their investigations into the murders.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News  

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