GEORGE NEWS - A Thembalethu man was killed by an angry mob in Gushindoda, Thembalethu, on Sunday night, 10 May, in what the police believe was a vigilante attack.
The group of community members allegedly accused Saneliswe Nkophe (27) of breaking into a resident's home in the area and severely assaulting him.
George Herald was told Nkophe's body was found in a ditch the next morning. He had sustained serious head injuries, and his upper body was bare.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Chris Spies said the police were alerted to the incident at about 07:50 on Monday morning.
"The Thembalethu detectives are investigating a murder case following the death of a man at Gushindoda in Zone 8. According to the available reports, a man had arrived at the police station and said he and a friend had been assaulted by a group. The police responded and, upon their arrival, found the deceased with multiple injuries. The paramedics declared him dead on the scene," said Spies.
He said the police suspect a vigilante attack. Two suspects, aged 29 and 32, were arrested on Tuesday and remain in police custody. They were expected to make their first court appearance in the Thembalethu Magistrate's Court on Wednesday 13 May.
Thembalethu has seen several similar incidents in recent years, with frustrated residents allegedly taking the law into their own hands amid ongoing concerns about crime in the area. These incidents often end in serious injury or death for the people suspected of criminal activity.
A well-informed community source said cases involving vigilante attacks are often difficult to solve as the witnesses are reluctant to come forward. "In many cases, once people believe someone has committed a crime, they take matters into their own hands. They are the judge and jury," they said.
Spies urged residents to report criminal activity to the police rather than taking matters into their own hands.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the Thembalethu detectives on 044 802 8970.
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