Durban – Three men who allegedly severely beat up three alleged burglars, killing one in the process, have been arrested for murder, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Friday.
Police spokesman Major Thulani Zwane said the three were arrested on Thursday.
It was alleged that on Thursday the three men kidnapped Lungelo Gumede, 22, and two friends in KwaMashu and took them to Forest Ring Avenue in KwaMashu where they were assaulted and beaten.
One of the alleged burglars was told by his attackers to take them to the place where the stolen goods had been sold. The man allegedly took them to Avoca Hills and pointed out where he had sold the stolen items. As he was doing so, he took the opportunity to flee and seek help from police.
Gumede’s body was found by police in the street where the alleged beating had taken place. Gumede’s other friend had been taken to hospital in a serious condition.
Zwane said the three men were expected to appear in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court soon.
“Acts of vigilantism cannot be tolerated by the police. We will make sure that such cases are properly investigated and those involved will be charged accordingly. We appeal to the community to report those suspected of being involved in criminal activities to the police and not take the law into their own hands,” he said.
African News Agency