W.Cape MEC worried about mob killings in the province; 37-year-old man beaten to death in Kraaifontein

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen says the increase in mob justice in the province, are worrying.

This comes after yet another alleged mob justice killing, that occurred on Sunday, on the corner of 1st Avenue and Lincoln Road in Belmont Park, Kraaifontein.

According to police, a 37-year-old man, whom residents accused of a crime, was allegedly beaten to death by community members.

The latest crime statistics revealed that 227 murder cases which has been linked to vigilantism or mob justice in the Western Cape, occurred over the 4 quarters of the 2021/22 financial year.

Of the more than 200 cases, 60 occurred in the first 3 months of this year. 16 cases, the most in the province, occurred in the Nyanga cluster and 11 each, which is joint 2nd in the Khayelitsha and Blue Downs clusters.

Allen condemned the latest incident.

“This incident highlights a trend that is deeply concerning, especially since the last unjustifiable mob killing of Mr. Abongile Mafalala. This and any type of crime can never be condoned. Under no circumstances does any person have the right to take the law into their own hands. Wherever it is suspected that the law was broken, it is our civil duty to contact any law enforcement agency, so that an arrest can occur, allowing SAPS to further investigate the matter and let the court process run its course.”

The MEC appealed to residents to not spread misinformation

“We understand that there are many communities who are frustrated and might have a deficit of trust in SAPS, but deciding to effect justice by themselves, is just committing another crime. This is unacceptable. The continued increase in the statistics sketches a worrying picture. I will continue to engage SAPS about their efforts to combat these types of crime.”

“I’d also like to appeal to community members to not spread any fake/false news about certain individuals without ascertaining the facts. This is one of the most dangerous aspects that ties into vigilantism/mob killings. Let us be responsible and law-abiding citizens that do not make themselves guilty of this type of crime,” he added.

PICTURED: MEC Allen with Bush Radio's Mitchum George

Done By: Mitchum George