Mob justice attack claims the lives of six men in Eastern Cape village

Four men were burned alive while two others were found hanging in what police described to be a mob justice attack in Lady Frere, Eastern Cape. A seventh man escaped with serious injuries.

In a statement released on Thursday, police said four bodies were found at the Zingqolweni village, in the Ndonga administrative area in Lady Frere on Wednesday, 14 April. The bodies of two others were found hanging in a nearby forest at around 17:45.

BURNT BODIES OF FOUR MEN FOUND IN OPEN VELD

Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said community members alerted police of four men that were burnt alive in an open veld. The ages of the deceased range between 21 and 27.

Kinana said police members responded swiftly, and as they were busy processing the scene of the crime, another report came through of two more bodies found hanging in a nearby forest.

“This brought the number of the deceased people to six, while one managed to escape the attack and was rushed to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention,” he said.

The brigadier said the motive for the mob justice attack remains unknown. “Six cases of murder and one of attempted murder have been opened for investigation.”

MOB JUSTICE ATTACKS A SERIOUS OFFENCE

Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga has ordered a 72-hour activation plan to ensure that all necessary resources are mobilised.

“My forces are not going to sleep until these heartless criminals are found. Mob justice remains a serious offence and those who continue to engage in vigilante-style activities must face the consequences of their actions,” said Ntshinga.

Anyone with information is requested to make contact with the nearest police station, or call Crime Stop number on 086-0010- 11. All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality.

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