The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has issued a strong condemnation following the brutal killing and torching of two men in separate alleged mob justice incidents in Barberton on Monday.
The grisly discoveries were made within hours of each other in the Koperi area. Preliminary police reports indicate that the first incident was reported at approximately 11:45 at Barberton Extension 10. Upon arrival, officers found the body of a man who had been severely assaulted and set alight with vehicle tyres.
Shortly thereafter, at around 12:20, police were alerted to a second scene at the Extension 13 sports ground, where another victim was found burned under similar circumstances.
While the identities of the deceased have not yet been released, it is alleged that they were suspected by some community members of being involved in a recent series of house robberies in the area.
No arrests have been made, and police investigations into both murders are currently underway. Authorities are urgently appealing to the public for assistance.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Captain Vusi Maphanga on 082 303 9704. Tips can also be reported anonymously to the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
In a stern warning to the community, Major General Mkhwanazi called for calm and urged residents to refrain from vigilantism.
“No one can correct a wrongful act by committing another. People should act within the ambits of the law,” said General Mkhwanazi. “Anarchy can never be accepted, and we urge our communities to work with the police through legitimate structures such as the Community Police Forum (CPF) and report criminal activities to the authorities.”
