Police rescue teenage girl from mob justice after she allegedly murdered mother and son
A 19-year-old suspect is currently under police guard in hospital after she allegedly murdered a mother and her son during a house robbery incident in Barberton, Mpumalanga.
The murder happened on Monday, according to provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
The alleged killer was attacked by community members following the double murder incident. IOL understands the teenage girl allegedly acted with certain accomplices during the house robbery incident, where the mother and son were killed.
“According to the report, police received a complaint about a house robbery in which multiple family members had been shot. Upon arrival at the hospital, medical staff directed officers to three patients who had sustained gunshot wounds,” said Ndubane.
“Sadly, a 43-year-old woman and her 24-year-old son succumbed to their injuries shortly after the police arrived. The third victim, the youngest daughter, remains in hospital receiving medical treatment.”
Police said after the discovery of the murders, angry community members attacked the alleged killer, attempting to set her alight.
“Fortunately, police arrived in time to intervene and rescue the suspect. She is currently hospitalized and under police guard. She faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and housebreaking,” said Ndubane.
No arrests have been made in connection with the mob justice incident, and investigations are ongoing.
“Police urge anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact Detective Captain Vusi Maphanga on 082 303 9704, or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously via the My SAPS App. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” the police appealed.
Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has expressed concern about the increasing number of mob justice incidents reported in the province this week.
Mkhwanazi has appealed to community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to allow the police to perform their duties professionally and effectively.
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 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.
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IOL News