Leonsdale - An angry mob killed a man on Thursday after he broke into a house in Phumola in Leondale on the East Rand, leading to the arrest of three people.
Police spokesman Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng said a group attacked a man after he was caught.
“It is alleged that around 7am a man in his twenties entered a house in Phumola and the woman who was in the kitchen screamed for help,” said Mofokeng.
Her husband responded to the screams, chased and caught the man.
The community came and started beating up the man. They then took him to an open field where he was doused with petrol and set alight.
“The man died on the scene,” said Mofokeng.
Police were alerted to the incident.
The man who caught the suspected burglar trying to enter his home was also arrested.
“The suspects have been charged with murder,” said Mofokeng.
They would appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on Friday.
More arrests were expected.
Sapa