adminGeorge — A mob justice incident in which two people were doused in petrol and set alight for apparently stealing a laptop in George has been condemned as a “barbaric and ghastly act” by the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco).
Sanco spokesperson Jabu Mahlangu on Saturday slammed the incident which took place earlier this week in Conville in which two people sustained severe burn wounds and a third escaped.
“Mob justice will only lead to lawlessness and a vicious cycle of violence,” he said in a statement.
He appealed to locals to assist police in their investigations instead of taking the law into their own hands.
“Urgent action needs to be taken to restore the confidence of communities in accountable and democratic community policing to address mob justice incidents that appear to be on the increase,” he said.
Mahlangu said that vigilantism created a cycle of violence that undermines the rule of law, but added that quicker police response to distress calls, increased visibility and regular investigation progress updates to crime victims “will contribute towards restoring confidence in the criminal justice system”.
Meanwhile, Four people died and at least 100 shacks were destroyed in a blaze in Plastic View informal settlement in Pretoria, Tshwane Emergency Services said yesterday. “We received call a call around 01:00,” spokesperson Johan Pieterse said.
By the time emergency services personnel arrived at the scene at least 50 shacks were ablaze. The windy conditions made matters worse, he said.
“It was difficult because the wind was really strong. We extinguished the blaze around 04:00.”
It was only then that the team began searching for any bodies. Four have been found, however, the team was still on the ground searching for more bodies. Police were also on the scene gathering further information. – Sapa
Online Reporter