The community of Zwelihle’s frustration regarding the area’s high crime rate reached boiling point over the weekend after a man was killed.
This led to members of the community taking the law into their own hands, hunting down the alleged perpetrators and brutally beating them before setting them alight.
Baying for blood, the angry community stoned police and other law enforcement vehicles who arrived at the scene and tried to intervene.
Captain Fadila September, spokesperson for the Hermanus police, reports that the police were notified about the incident at an open area near Marikana Supermarket in Zwelihle on Saturday 2 July at approximately 13:55.
“On their arrival the police officials found a large group of about 150 people surrounding three burning bodies,” she stated. “One of the victims was still alive, but when the officials tried to intervene, they were attacked and stoned. One official fired a warning shot.”
The police and Overstrand Law Enforcement officials managed to secure the scene, but were too late to save the lives of the three men who had been set alight. All three succumbed at the scene to their burn wounds.
Graphic photos and videos showing the burning bodies were circulated on social media. In one photo it appears one of the deceased’s hands were tied behind his back.
One police vehicle was damaged during the incident.
“At this stage, indications are that the three deceased were accused of a murder that had taken place earlier that day,” September said. “The deceased haven’t been identified.”
The man they were accused of murdering, in the early hours of Saturday, was Sakhiwo Mankonko.
He was reportedly walking along Chris Hani Street at about 04:00 when approached by four men who drew their knives and allegedly stabbed him to death.
“He was taken to hospital where he passed away,” September said. “A murder docket was opened.”
Masibongwe Sihlahla, Ward 12 councillor, condemned the mob justice attack. He said: “Regardless of this crime they are accused of, I believe it is wrong for people to take the law into their own hands. We can’t allow lawlessness to rule our community.
“What transpired is wrong and the perpetrators need to be brought to book. I reject this incident with the utter contempt it deserves.”
Captain CJ du Toit, acting commander of the Hermanus Visible Policing Unit, said the community taking the law into their own hands is extremely concerning.
“I find it absolutely worrying that the community does not trust the police enough to hand suspects, or perpetrators of crime, over to the police. I urge them rather to contact the police if a crime is committed and not to take the law into their own hands.”
September reiterated this statement and said the police have a 24-hour emergency plan that is activated in cases of serious crimes such as murder.
“The police and Law Enforcement are monitoring the area,” she added.
Anyone with information about the incident, can contact Du Toit on 082 411 2973, Hermanus police on 028 313 5300 or the Hermanus Detectives Branch during office hours on 028 313 7000.