SANCO condemns four East Rand mob justice killings

This follows the mob killings of four suspected criminals who had allegedly been terrorising the Gugulethu informal settlement community in Springs on the East Rand.

“Barbaric and ghastly acts of vigilantism will only lead to lawlessness and a vicious cycle of violence,” Sanco spokesman Jabu Mahlangu said.

Mahlangu proposed quicker police response to distress calls, increased visibility, and regular investigation progress updates to crime victims to restore the confidence of the public in policing.

“The relaunch of street committees that will work closer with community policing forums will assist our communities to play their part in reclaiming their streets and neighbourhoods from criminals who are terrorising them,” he said.

Mahlangu called on the community to assist police in their murder investigations and the recovery of the firearms allegedly used by the deceased which had reportedly not been traced.

According to police, four armed robbers robbed and shot six people at 5.30pm on Thursday and fled from the scene of the crime.

Angry residents reportedly chased the suspected robbers and caught two of them in Main Street, Everest, stoned them to death, placed tyres on the bodies, and poured petrol over them before setting the bodies alight.

“A third suspected robber, who was trapped inside a shop, was dragged outside by the mob who then stoned him to death,” Springs police spokesman Captain Johannes Ramphora said.

Ramphora said the rest of the mob followed the fourth robber to Third Avenue, Bakerton, and also stoned him to death.

“None of the community members are willing to come forward to say who killed these men,” he said. – 

ANA