Three people killed by mob justice

The public is being strongly cautioned by the police to avoid mob justice. This comes amid reports of three murders and arson within the Free State districts.

On Tuesday, 27 September 2022, Patrolling personnel were stopped by a driver in Thabong. This was regarding a person who was lying on the ground close to Thabong Clinic in Tlali Street.

Police arrived at the scene in a hurry and discovered a man victim. He had suffered severe head injuries and could not speak.

According to preliminary investigations, the man was assaulted by the community. They claimed that he had tried to steal chairs from one of the places.

The victim was taken urgently to the hospital for emergency care. Although no one has been arrested as of yet, police investigations are ongoing.

Three people attacked by mob justice

Police arrested seven suspects on 28 September 2022. This was after three young men who were allegedly involved in local crimes were attacked at their Paballong Village home. One of the young boys is said to have been arrested for burglary and released. The community was angry and attacked him.

The three were beaten and had their home set on fire. One person passed away at the site, another died of their injuries while receiving medical attention, and a third person is being monitored by authorities while receiving medical attention.

Seven suspects in all were arrested, and they still need to appear in court for murder and arson in Phuthaditjhaba.

Maj General Solly Lesia, the acting provincial commissioner for the Free State, appealed to the public to refrain from enforcing the law themselves since mob justice cannot and will never be a solution to our problem because those responsible will be apprehended. As a result, additional charges including arson, murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping will be filed against members of the community who will be held accountable for mob justice. He further exhorted the populace to quit such behavior and instead report any illegal activity or questionable characters to the police so that justice can be served.

Also read: Teenager,15, dies at the police station