By Zukile Majova
Police in the Eastern Cape are concerned that a culture of mob justice is taking root in various towns in the largely rural province.
The latest incident unfolded in Mbabalane Locality, just outside Port St Johns, where at least 10 community members are currently in police custody, following a mob justice attack that left two people dead over the Easter weekend.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, the incident was triggered by an alleged stabbing that took place in a local tavern.
“The incident was sparked by one of the deceased who allegedly stabbed one of the patrons in a local tavern where they were enjoying themselves,” Brigadier Kinana explained. In response, other patrons reportedly beat the assailant with sticks until he succumbed to his injuries.
Tragically, during the melee, the 29-year-old assailant’s 57-year-old mother tried to intervene and was allegedly shot and killed on the spot.
“Police were called to the crime scene and they managed to arrest about 10 male suspects implicated in the double murder,” revealed Brigadier Kinana. The suspects have been charged with murder and are currently awaiting further investigation.
This incident is just one example of an “emerging and unrelenting culture of vigilantism within the communities,” warned Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene.
Despite repeated warnings from law enforcement to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, some community members have chosen to ignore the calls, leading to dire consequences.
“We have had no choice but to arrest those who set a bad example within the communities,” added Lieutenant General Mene.
In a separate incident in Bityi, four community members have also appeared in court on murder charges after two young men were burned to death by members of the community.
The troubling trend of mob justice in the Eastern Cape has raised serious concerns among authorities, as such acts undermine the rule of law and pose a threat to public safety.
As the Eastern Cape grapples with the rising tide of mob justice, authorities are urging communities to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and to seek justice through lawful means.
