Mob justice has claimed another life in Khayelitsha as residents of Makhaza stoned, beat and assaulted a man, then set him on fire.
Saturday’s incident is the latest in a series of mob justice incidents in the area over the past few months.
Police spokesman Captain Frederick van Wyk said Harare police were called to the murder scene at 56 Block in Makhaza, behind the Khayelitsha Shoprite store, just before 7am.
“On the scene they found a burnt body of an unidentified person (who) was stoned and assaulted with unknown objects, and set alight. He died on the scene due to injuries sustained,” Van Wyk said.
A murder case had been opened. This brings to nine the number of people beaten and burned in the area since the beginning of the year.
Last week Premier Helen Zille said she was seeking legal advice on setting up a commission of inquiry into the breakdown of relations between the community and the police.
Van Wyk said: “We will not allow the community to take the law into their own hands… Those who are responsible for these violent crimes are criminals themselves, and will be dealt with accordingly.”
Anyone with information should call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or Detective Sergeant Andrew April on 073 755 0391/021 363 9000.
Weekend Argus