By Kopano Dibakwane
The recent killings of suspects allegedly linked to criminal activities, by community members, came under heavy criticism from Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela.
The Commissioner was reacting to fatal incidents of mob justice which reportedly occured across Ehlanzeni District, particularly in the Nkomazi area.
According to Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, two males aged 21 and 28 were assaulted then burnt alive at Block C near Tonga on Sunday 5 November after they were accused of being involved in criminal activities.
Another incident was also reported on Monday 6 November whereby an 18 year old male was reportedly assaulted and stoned to death by a mob at Mjejane (Hectorspruit), near Komatipoort.
” Instead of taking the law into their own hands, members of the public are urged to work hand-in-glove with the police through legitimate structures such as the Community Policing Forum(CPF). Regular meetings should be held at various policing precincts, however it is very concerning to learn that most such gatherings are poorly attended,” said Lieutenant-General Manamela.
NB: VIDEO NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS The Allerged Suspects burnt by villagers in Block C
She added that some members of the community opt to resort to directing violence towards suspected criminals instead of opening cases.
” Acts of mob justice can never be used to resolve crime but it will instead create anarchy which undermines the authority of the state. We urge people to work with the authorities in rooting out crime in the society by witnessing in court whenever crime is committed so that this crucial part of evidence can be used by the courts to nail perpetrators in order to get maximum sentences,”said Manamela.
