Phiva – A 28-year-old suspected thief was beaten to death by community members in Phiva, near KaMhlushwa outside Malelane, Mpumalanga.
Police said they opened a murder case regarding the deadly mob justice on Monday, (29 January 2024).
The deceased, whose name has been withheld, was rescued from the mob by the police before he was rushed to hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
The mob later took to the streets to protest against “criminal activities in the area”.
During the protests houses were set alight, and an office and a car belonging to the crime sector forum (community policing forum) were also damaged.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the provincial police management was concerned about people taking the law into their own hands.
He said they needed to follow the appropriate channels, especially by reporting to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands.
“The community members took to the streets and torched some houses, an office for the crime sector forum as well as a crime sector forum’s vehicle,” said Colonel Mdhluli.
“These unlawful acts began with an incident in which a man was accused of intending to steal.
“After the man was severely assaulted, he was taken to hospital for medical treatment and sadly he died on arrival.”
Colonel Mdhluli said no suspects had yet been arrested.
“Investigations into the murder and other related incidents are underway and no one has been arrested so far,” said Colonel Mdhluli.
“Police urge anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to call the police crime stop number 08600 10111.”
