Six suspects, aged between 19 and 59 years-old, have been arrested in Newscom near Pienaar in Mpumalanga for allegedly taking part in a mob justice incident where a 53-year-old man was fatally assaulted.

The man was previously accused of attempting to rape a 23-year-old mute woman. A video of the incident circulated on social media, leading to a police investigation.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Thulisile Magagula says the six suspects have been charged with murder and are expected to appear at Kanyamazane Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

“It is alleged that the mother confronted the deceased at a local shop, and the matter was reportedly resolved at that time. However, later that same day, the deceased allegedly returned to the mothers’s residence and began throwing stones at the house. The mother screamed for help, and members of the community responded, allegedly assaulting the deceased. A preliminary investigation was conducted, which led to the arrest of six suspects who have been charged with murder.”