Mother shot and killed for trying to save son from mob justice

A group of ten suspects were detained in Port St. Johns Police Station after a mob justice-related incident that left two people dead in the Mbabalane area on Friday, April 7, 2023, at around 10:00 p.m.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, the incident was initiated by one of the deceased, a 29-year-old man, who allegedly stabbed one of the customers in a local tavern where they were having fun.

He stated that the 57-year-old mother of the deceased, who attempted to step in during her son’s assault, was shot and pronounced dead at the scene.

When the police arrived at the scene of the double murder, they were able to apprehend about ten male suspects. Murder cases have been filed with the police for further investigation.

“The incident of mob justice is the second after two young men were burnt to death in Bityi last week by members of the community. Subsequently, four suspects were arrested and appeared in Bityi Magistrate court on Thursday April 6, 2023. Their case was remanded to the April 12, 2023,” said Kinana.

Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, the provincial commissioner, has voiced shock and concern at what appears to be the emergence of a ferocious vigilantism culture in the communities.

“We have on numerous occasions warned people to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, but some people have chosen to ignore our call. Therefore, we have had no choice but to arrest those who set a bad example within the communities.

“There is law to be respected in our province, and for this reason those who undermine it will simply face the consequences,” the Lieutenant General Mene said.

On Tuesday this week, the accused suspects, ages 28 to 48, appeared in the Port St. Johns Magistrate Court on murder allegations.