Police Rescue 19-Year-Old From Mob Justice After Alleged Double Murder in Barberton

Police in Mpumalanga say they rescued a 19-year-old girl from a violent mob after she allegedly murdered a mother and her son during a house robbery in Barberton on Monday.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed that the suspect is now under police guard in hospital, facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and housebreaking.

Double Murder During House Robbery

According to police, the attack unfolded during a house robbery where multiple family members were shot. A 43-year-old woman and her 24-year-old son later died from gunshot wounds. The youngest daughter survived but remains in hospital.

Police believe the teenage suspect acted with accomplices, though no additional arrests have been announced.

Mob Justice Attack

After word spread of the killings, angry residents turned on the teenager. Ndubane said community members attempted to set her alight before police intervened.

“Fortunately, police arrived in time to intervene and rescue the suspect,” Ndubane said. “She is currently hospitalized and under police guard.”

Despite the attempted killing, no arrests have been made in connection with the mob justice incident.

Surge in Vigilante Violence

Acting provincial commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi raised concerns about rising vigilante violence in Barberton, noting that this was not an isolated case.

Earlier this week, two people suspected of house robberies were beaten and burned in separate mob justice incidents in Barberton Extension. Police discovered both victims’ bodies after they were set alight with tyres.

“These killings highlight a deeply worrying trend,” said Mkhwanazi. “We urge communities not to take the law into their own hands but to allow police to investigate and arrest suspects through proper legal channels.”

Police Appeal for Information

Police are calling on the public to assist in tracking down other suspects linked to the Barberton house robbery. Information can be reported to Detective Captain Vusi Maphanga at 082 303 9704, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or via the My SAPS App.

“All information will be treated with strict confidentiality,” Ndubane stressed.

{Source: IOL}

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