Horror in Qunu as mob attack leaves one dead and two burnt over cable theft claims

A quiet morning in Qunu turned into a scene of unimaginable violence this week, after three men were attacked by a mob over allegations of cable theftleaving one dead and two fighting for their lives.

The incident unfolded just after 11am on Tuesday, shaking the rural Eastern Cape community and once again raising urgent questions about vigilantism in South Africa.

A brutal attack in broad daylight

Police say the victims, all believed to be in their 30s, were accused by community members of stealing electricity cablesa crime that has become increasingly common across the country.

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo, officers arrived to a grim scene:

Three men had been attacked and set alight, their bodies found next to the road.

One of the victims died from his injuries, while the other two were rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. By the time police arrived, the crowd had already dispersedleaving no immediate suspects behind.

Authorities condemn “lawlessness”

The violence has drawn strong condemnation from Major General Norman Modishana, who urged residents to reject mob justice and allow the legal system to take its course.

He called on anyone with information to come forward and assist police in tracking down those responsible.

Investigations are ongoing, with detectives working to identify individuals involved in the attack.

The bigger issue: why mob justice keeps happening

While shocking, incidents like this are not isolated.

Across South Africaparticularly in areas battling infrastructure crimefrustration over cable theft and service disruptions often spills over into anger directed at suspected perpetrators.

Cable theft doesn’t just mean stolen copper. It can leave entire communities without electricity, disrupt water supply systems, and halt local businesses. In places like Qunu, where resources are already stretched, the impact is deeply felt.

But experts warn that mob justice creates more victims than solutions.

Instead of resolving crime, it undermines the justice system and often targets individuals without proofturning suspicion into tragedy.

Public reaction: anger and unease

On social media, reactions have been mixedand emotional.

Some users expressed outrage at the brutality, calling for arrests and accountability. Others, however, reflected the deep frustration many communities feel about ongoing theft and slow justice processes.

“People are tired, but this is not the answer,” one commenter wrote.
“We can’t become a lawless society,” another added.

The divide highlights a difficult reality: while communities want safety and accountability, many feel let down by systems meant to protect them.

A separate breakthrough in the province

In a separate development, police have made progress in another high-profile case in the Eastern Cape.

One of eight detainees who escaped from police custody earlier this month has been rearrested. According to Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the suspectidentified as Siphelele Mkhulisiwas found asleep at a relative’s home in Matatiele.

He had originally been in custody on a murder charge.

The remaining escapees are still at large, and police say efforts to locate them are ongoing.

A community at a crossroads

Back in Qunu, the aftermath of the mob attack lingers.

Families are grieving, two victims are still recovering, and a community is left grappling with what happenedand what comes next.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the tension many South African communities face: balancing the urgency to fight crime with the need to uphold justice and human rights.

Because when anger replaces due process, the consequences can be just as devastating as the crimes people are trying to stop.