The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned acts of vigilantism following recent killings of individuals who were reportedly suspected to have been involved in criminal activities. Two of such disturbing incidents occurred between yesterday, 06 November 2023 and Sunday, 05 November 2023.
Majority of these mob justice incidents were carried across Ehlanzeni District and especially in the Nkomazi area. An 18-year-old male was reportedly assaulted then brutally stoned to death by the mob yesterday, Monday 06 November 2023 around 15:00 at Mjejane, commonly known as Hectorspruit near Komatipoort.
Meanwhile two males, aged 21 and 28 were assaulted then burnt alive at Block C near Tonga on Sunday, 05 November 2023 around 17:40 after allegations that they too were involved in criminal activities.
Instead of taking the law into one’s own hands, members of the public are urged to work hand-in-gloves with the Police through legitimate structures such as the Community Police Forum (CPF) and Community In Blue.
Regular meetings regarding crime should be held at various policing precincts however it is very concerning to learn that most of such gatherings are poorly attended. Some members of the community do not even consider opening cases when crime has been committed but rather resort to directing violence towards those they believe to have been the perpetrators of crime.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further pleaded with communities to refrain from trying to correct a wrong with another wrong. “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 the General.
