Freedom Park mob killings condemned

(Image: (WT-shared) Kevin James at wts.wikivoyage-old.org)

"We condemn, in the strongest terms possible, vigilantism as it leads to lawlessness and revenge attacks by persons who feel aggrieved by the actions of those who conduct kangaroo courts and give themselves the roles of judges and executioners," Modise said.

She called on the public to report crime to authorities in the criminal justice system instead of taking the law into their own hands.

She said vigilantism created a cycle of violence that undermines the rule of law.

According to police, two men were shot and injured, allegedly by two Lesotho nationals, at a tavern in the area on Saturday.

Brigadier Thulane Ngubane said the wounded men were taken to a nearby hospital.

One of the foreign nationals was then caught by a mob on Sunday. He was taken to a tavern and burnt alive, said Ngubane.

The second Lesotho man was also caught and stripped naked by the mob. He tried to escape by running into a neighbour's shack but was caught and murdered. Both foreigners were found with stab wounds, Ngubane said.

Five thousand people on Monday went to a local businessman, who they suspected of harbouring the Lesotho men and other criminals.

"The crowd allegedly looted his shop, burnt his properties, including a house as well as vehicles, and killed him," said Ngubane, adding that several shacks were also torched.

Police were deployed to stabilise the situation in the area. A firearm with five rounds of live ammunition and one spent cartridge casing was seized from the crowd.

Ngubane said no arrests were made and police were still investigating.