A scene where one of the deceased was torched.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has strongly condemned the brutal killing and torching of two individuals in an alleged mob justice incident that occurred on August 25.
According to preliminary Dr Mkhwanazi the police were alerted to a mob justice incident in Barberton Extension 10 (Koperi) at approximately 11:45 AM.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of a man who had been assaulted and then set alight using vehicle tires. A short while later, at around 12:20 PM, police were called to a second, similar incident at the Extension 13 sports ground, where another victim was found burned.
“It is alleged that the two deceased were suspected by some community members of being involved in a series of house robberies in the area. No arrests have been made in connection with the incidents, and police investigations are currently underway,” he said
Dr Mkhwanazi has appealed for calm and urged residents not to resort to vigilantism. “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.
Police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in the investigation and lead to the apprehension of those responsible.
Members of the public can contact Detective Captain Vusi Maphanga on 082 303 9704, call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or submit information anonymously via the My SAPS App. All information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality
