Police are investigating the lynching of three young men suspected of being involved in the violent crime spree in Boksburg.
All the killings, believed to be mob-justice related, happened in Angelo’s informal settlement.
The Boksburg police confirmed the incidents and stated that the first suspect, a man in his 20s, was reportedly stoned to death near the Angelo railway station on April 13, for his alleged involvement in terrorising the community.
“The killed man suffered injuries all over his body and was certified dead on the scene,” said Boksburg SAPS spokesperson Const Ntsako Ledwaba.
On the same day, at about 10 am, the police were called to a second mob justice scene, where another young man suspected of the crime was stoned to death, apparently by a mob.
He suffered multiple injuries, and a toy gun resembling a real firearm was reportedly found next to the body. It is suspected that he and his accomplices were using the toy gun to rob residents.
Also on the same day, a third man was stoned and burnt to ashes by a mob at the Angelo community sports ground. He was also accused of being a criminal.
Prior to the other three incidents, the Boksburg police reported that a fourth person was found dead with a bullet wound in his chest in the informal settlement on April 12. The motive for his murder remains unclear, but police have registered a murder case.
All bodies were taken to the Germiston state mortuary.
Also on April 12, two suspects survived the jaws of mob justice after they allegedly robbed two women of their personal belongings while walking along the pathway in the veld on Solomon Road in Lilianton.
One of the suspects eventually managed to escape the crowd before the police arrived. His accomplice, aged 25, was later handed over to the police and he was charged with robbery, according to the Boksburg North police spokesperson, Const Justice Ramaube.
The victims told the police that they were walking along the area making their way to work when the two men armed with a knife confronted them and demanded money and cellphones. They grabbed the victim’s bag containing her personal belongings and started to run away.
The terrified women scream out loud for help, and a man who was also walking along the area came to the women’s rescue. He gave chase and with the help of other community members managed to apprehend the suspects.
One of the apprehended suspects was found in possession of the victim’s belongings, including her bag and money.
At least two people are violently killed in the informal settlements almost every week.
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