Brutal Mob Justice in Barberton Leaves Two Dead: Police Urge Calm

Barberton residents were left reeling on Monday after two men suspected of house robberies were brutally assaulted and set on fire in separate mob justice incidents. The violent acts occurred within minutes of each other in different parts of the town, sending shockwaves through the community and sparking urgent calls for calm.

According to Mpumalanga police, the first victim was discovered around midday in Barberton Extension, allegedly beaten and torched with vehicle tyres. Just 20 minutes later, a second man was found in a similar state at the Extension 13 sports ground.

Police Investigations Underway

Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that no arrests have been made yet. Authorities are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Detective Captain Vusi Maphanga can be contacted at 082 303 9704, the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or via the My SAPS App, with all tips treated confidentially.

Acting provincial commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi warned the community against taking the law into their own hands. “No one can correct a wrongful act by committing another. Anarchy cannot be accepted,” he said, urging residents to report criminal activity through legitimate channels like community police forums (CPFs).

Government Condemns Vigilantism

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Jackie Macie, echoed the call for calm, stressing that vigilantism is a crime. “Taking the law into your own hands can never be tolerated. Communities should focus on gathering evidence and allowing the courts to deliver justice,” Macie said.

She reminded residents that participating in mob justice makes individuals liable for criminal prosecution. “Once you commit such acts, police will act, and you could face imprisonment alongside those originally suspected of crime,” she added.

A Community in Tension

The violent incidents in Barberton highlight the ongoing challenges South African communities face in dealing with crime. While frustration with repeated thefts can run high, authorities stress that lawlessness only deepens insecurity. Social media in the province has been ablaze with both outrage and calls for restraint, reflecting a public torn between anger at crime and fear of escalating violence.

As investigations continue, police and government officials urge residents to remain calm and cooperate. The message is clear: justice must be served within the law, not through the flames of mob anger.

{Source: IOL}

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