Picture: The police arrested eighteen suspects involved in mob justice/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Alleged vigilantes were arrested by police in Upper Majeakgoro village, near Pampierstad on Monday after they allegedly beat a man (26) accused of stock theft to death. According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock, the police arrested 18 suspects (14 men and 4 women) who were allegedly involved in the mob justice.
Kock said a group of community members allegedly went to the house of a person suspected to be involved in stock theft, beat his family members, and forcefully took him and his friend (20) to Upper Majaekgoro village.
“The community allegedly tied the two up and beat them with a pick handle and chains. The friends of the victims allegedly drove into the crowd of community members with a Toyota Bakkie and one person was also hospitalised, while other community members were left injured.
“Two men who were allegedly abducted and assaulted by the community members were both hospitalised. However, one of the victims (26), later succumbed to his injuries,” he said.
Kock further said 18 persons who were allegedly involved in the mob justice set to appear in court soon on charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault GBH. He added that, the police confirmed that, five of them (4 men and 1 woman) are part of the Community in Blue Patrollers in Pampierstad.
“A driver (50) of a bakkie was also arrested and charged with attempted murder. He will also appear in court soon,” said Kock.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen Koliswa Otola, condemned the attack and warned that mob justice is a violation of the law. Otola warned that, the community members who are implicated in this act will be arrested and face the full might of the law.
The police are currently monitoring the situation in Pampierstad and the investigations continue.
The Guardian 