Police Investigate Fatal Vigilantism As Angry Mob Burns Cars

Police in Mpumalanga are investigating a violent incident linked to stock theft that resulted in the death of one man and left another hospitalised.

The two men, suspected of stock theft, were reportedly cornered and assaulted by a mob in Verena on Wednesday, December 24, 2024.

Details of the Incident

The suspects were allegedly found in possession of livestock believed to have been stolen, including 26 cattle, six goats, and a donkey.

According to Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, police and emergency services were called to the scene. One suspect was pronounced dead, while the other was transported to the hospital under police guard.

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The investigation revealed that a shepherd had been attacked and robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash earlier that day. The mob reportedly captured the suspects after their vehicles became stuck in the mud while attempting to flee. Two bakkies used in the escape were subsequently torched by the assailants.

Police Response

Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the mob’s actions. “Acts of vigilantism undermine the rule of law and cannot be tolerated. Communities must report crimes to the police rather than taking the law into their own hands,” Mkhwanazi said.

Mkhwanazi also expressed concern over the rising incidents of stock theft in the region. He urged community members to refrain from purchasing suspected stolen livestock and to collaborate with the police to combat stock theft effectively.

The department has emphasised the importance of their specialised Stock Theft Unit in addressing livestock-related crimes. Community members are encouraged to work with the unit and report suspicious activities to curb such incidents in the future.

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