Police in Mpumalanga have strongly condemned the brutal murder and torching of two individuals in incidents of mob justice around Barberton on Monday.

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.

“No one has been arrested so far, with regard to the incidents. Police investigations are currently underway. Police are appealing to members of the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation, leading to the apprehension of those responsible,” said Ndubane.

“Members of the public can contact Detective Captain Vusi Maphanga on 082 303 9704, or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, information can be submitted anonymously via My SAPS App. All information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”

Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has appealed for calm within the community.

Mkhwanazi warns residents against taking the law into their own hands.

“No one can correct a wrongful act by committing another. People should act within the ambits of the law. Anarchy can never be accepted and we urge our communities to work with the police through the legitimate structures such as the community police forum (CPF) and report criminal activities to the authorities, ” he said.

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  

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.

Source link