By Kopano Dibakwane
Suspected mob justice incidents which resulted in two men being allegedly torched by community members of Barberton, came under heavy criticism by the Acting Provincial Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major-General(Dr)Zeph Mkhwanazi, as well as the MEC for DCSSL(Community Safety, Security and Liaison), Jackie Macie.
Both incidents reportedly took place on the same day, Monday 25 August 2025. The first incident reportedly took place at Extesnion 10(Koperi), while the other torching incident was reported at the sports ground in Extension 13.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane, authorities arrived on the first scene and discovered the body of a man who was allegedly assaulted and set alight.
“ It is alleged that both individuals were suspected by community members of being involved in a series of house robberies in the area,” said Lt-Col Ndubane.
Major-General Mkhwanazi has waned the community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He equally called for calm.
“ 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 community to work with the police through legitimate structures such as the CPF(Community Policing Forum) and report criminal activities to the police,” said Major-General Mkhwanazi.
MEC Macie said the act of vigilantism is a crime and those who commit it should be treated as criminals.
“Taking law into your own hands as communities can never be tolerated in this country. That is why we have courts all over the country, your role as communities is to bring evidence forward and testify against those suspected to secure a sentence that will put them behind bars.
“ Let us not be discouraged to report those causing troubles in our communities. Continue to work with the police and community forums to bring about stability and a crime free community,” said MEC Macie.
Lt-Col Ndubane said no one has been arrested so far, in relation to the incidents. She called upon anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of the culprits to contact Detective Captain Vusi Maphanga on 082 303 9704, or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or submit information anonymously via MYSAPSAPP.
