10111 call allegedly dropped as Du Noon mob attack unfolded

According to IOL, a 10111 emergency call was allegedly terminated while a mob justice attack in Du Noon was taking place, and the four victims found later may have been saved.

Witness tried to get help as attack unfolded

According to IOL, a witness who saw the mob justice attack dialled 10111 for assistance. The call was placed at 1.30pm, the complainant told IOL, who said they had reported what they described as “murders in progress”.

Call handling and location issue

According to IOL, the witness described the scene to the operator and provided an approximate location using GPS, but the operator allegedly repeatedly demanded an exact location. When the caller later asked for the operator’s details, the call was allegedly terminated.

Aftermath and accountability

According to IOL, when the family returned later, four charred bodies had reportedly been found. IOL reported that the call recording has been reviewed and that

“The call recording has since been reviewed and the handling of the call was found to be unacceptable. Disciplinary action is being taken.”

Wider concerns raised

According to IOL, Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson and MP Ian Cameron confirmed the complainant’s account and said the incident exposed broader problems with the 10111 system, including dropped or abandoned calls and response-time issues.

Note: All claims in this report are attributed to IOL.