A thief in the Parkgate neighbourhood of KZN received a unique example of mob punishment when over 30 people joined forces to beat the thief mercilessly.
The 20-year-old suspect made an attempt to grab a woman’s handbag on Sunday morning and flee the area. However, some people pursued him after they were discovered in the act. After dragging him to the ground, they found the stolen goods.
Meanwhile, the thief’s “gun” was discovered to be a toy imitation. The culprit was therefore left defenceless and humiliated, at the mercy of a community that had run out of options. Numerous eager participants were attracted to the mob justice attack.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), the crowd was yelling for the suspect’s blood and screaming about the rising criminality in the neighbourhood. The culprit was only saved from an even worse destiny when police arrived on the scene.
The RUSA actively discourages mob justice. Although it is typical for groups to vent their anger on perceived threats in the community, it is extremely unusual for this many people to participate in the ensuing violence.
The security team said that the subject was restrained by rope and beaten with metal pipes. He even had to suffer a whipping.
RUSA on KZN mob justice attack said:
“RUSA was called out to the scene on Sunday, after receiving reports of a man being assaulted in a mob justice attack. On arrival, it was established that the injured male had earlier robbed a female for her handbag. The suspect was also accused of having a firearm.”
“He fled the scene, but was apprehended by onlookers. The bag and the firearm – which was confirmed to be a toy – was recovered in his possession. A crowd of 30 people bound the suspect’s hands and legs, then beat him with weapons, including metals pipes and whips.”