Zimbabwean Man (43) Stoned, Set On Fire By Vigilante Group In Diepsloot
One person was killed in a mob attack in Diepsloot north of Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday night, the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed.
According to SABC reporter Chriselda Lewis, the victim was reportedly stoned to death and set on fire.
Scores of residents staged a protest and blocked roads, burning tyres over the escalating crime in the area earlier in the day.
Police spokesperson Brenda Muridili confirmed the murder but said the nationality of the victim was yet to be ascertained. She said:
I can confirm that overnight there was an incident of mob justice. Reports that we’re getting from witnesses is that there’s a small group of people that went from door to door and then when they got to this house, this young man just ran out of the house and they chased him and unfortunately he was killed.
As soon as the police got that information, they rushed to the scene but when they got there, the people had already been dispersed. At this stage, we cannot confirm the nationality of the deceased.
Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the area on Wednesday and promised to deploy more police officers and resources.
He said more than 50 police members, including 30 tactical response team members, and 16 new vehicles would be deployed to Diepsloot.
Meanwhile, Operation Dudula leader, Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini, whose real name is Ntlantla Mohlauhi joined the protest in solidarity with the residents of Diepsloot. He said:
I am not here as Operation Dudula, I am here because I am a South African. We are here to support the community. I have relatives living here and they deserve to be safe in this area.
