Three killed in ‘mob justice’ attack

File photo: AP

File photo: AP

Published Feb 10, 2014

Share

Rustenburg - Three men were killed and properties were set alight in the Freedom Park informal settlement in Rustenburg, North West police said on Monday.

Two men were shot and injured, allegedly by two Lesotho nationals, at a tavern in the area on Saturday, said Brigadier Thulane Ngubane.

They were taken to a nearby hospital.

One of the foreigners was then caught by a mob on Sunday. He was taken to a tavern and burnt alive, said Ngubane.

The second Lesotho man was also caught and stripped naked by the mob. He tried to escape by running into a neighbour's shack but was caught and murdered.

Both foreigners were found with stab wounds, Ngubane said.

Five thousand people, on Monday, went to a local businessman who they suspected of harbouring the Lesotho men and other criminals.

“The crowd allegedly looted his shop, burnt his properties including a house as well as vehicles, and killed him,” said Ngubane.

Several shacks were also torched.

Police were deployed to stabilise the situation in the area. A firearm with five rounds of live ammunition and one spent cartridge casing was seized from the crowd, said Ngubane.

He urged community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

No arrests were made and police were investigating.

Sapa

Related Topics: