Provincial Commissioner warns that ‘mob justice is no solution in resolving crime’
EASTERN CAPE – Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene is warning the communities that one cannot resolve crime by committing crime. ‘Mob justice not only violates the law, but it also poses significant risks to individuals who may be wrongfully targeted. This warning emanates following a murder of a person who was reported missing in October 2023 who was found buried in a shallow grave in the yard of a house in Kwanobuhle on 15 October 2023.
It is alleged that at 08:15, police followed up on information received about a person who went missing on 29 September 2023. A missing person report was opened at Kwanobuhle in October 2023. On Saturday evening, 14 October 2023, the family went to the police station to report that the missing person may possibly be buried in a shallow grave at a house in 2nd Avenue in Kwanobuhle. On Sunday, 15 October 2023, Gqeberha Search and Rescue unit and SAPS Kwanobuhle detectives went to the mentioned house. Police K9 dog, ‘Misty’ immediately picked up a sense and
the body of a male was found buried in the yard. No one was at the house at the time. The body was identified as Zola Michael Msengi (47). Since the discovery of the body, police were searching for the person who lived at the house.
A case of murder is opened for further investigation.
On Monday, 16 October 2023 at about 08:00, police were alerted to a body lying in an open field, behind, 4th Avenue in Kwanobuhle. The body of Thembikhaya Shaun Witbooi, aged 35-years-old was badly burnt and it was confirmed that he resided at the house where the body of Msengi was found. His house in 2nd Avenue was also set alight yesterday afternoon. .
A case of murder is opened for investigation.
Lt Gen Mene is urging the community’s to reject such cruel acts of violence, instead to stand with police in the pursuit of justice. ‘Together we can make a difference, but we can only do so by working within the framework of our legal system. We have experienced detective officers that will investigate and address crime through
the legal channels. Taking the law into your own hands will turn a citizen into a criminal,’ cautioned Lt Gen Mene.
Source: South African Police Service