Johannesburg - A man was beaten to death after he was caught stealing a copper pipe in Kagiso, on the West Rand, Gauteng police said on Friday.
The man, in his early 20s, was attacked and killed near the Madala hostel on Thursday, Warrant officer Solomon Sibiya said.
“The police were told that the he was caught stealing copper pipes from new unoccupied houses situated inside the hostel.”
He tried to run away, but was caught.
“A group of men armed with traditional sticks started assaulting him until he fell down.”
He sustained multiple head wounds and paramedics declared him dead on the scene. A murder docket was opened. No arrests had been made.
The police condemned residents who took the law into their own hands.
Sapa