Police in the Western Cape are investigating a series of brutal incidents after four bodies were found during the early morning hours of Monday.
Police believe the four incidents are related to vigilantism in Harare, Khayelitsha.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Andrè Traut, said the incident occurred in the Enkandla informal settlement.
“At around midnight, police responded to a complaint of murder, where they discovered the body of a male burnt beyond recognition. While still attending to the scene, officers were alerted to another incident in the same area, where the bodies of two additional males were found, also burnt beyond recognition,” Traut said.
Hours later, another body was found.
“In a separate but possibly related matter, at about 2am, the body of a 30-year-old male was discovered in the settlement with multiple stab wounds. He was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel,” Traut said.
Police strongly condemned these violent acts, which bear the hallmarks of vigilante killings.
“Taking the law into one’s own hands is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated. Such acts not only undermine the rule of law but also create fear and instability within communities. Police investigations are underway, and those responsible for these murders will face the full might of the law,” Traut said.
Police have called on community members to refrain from acts of vigilantism and report suspected criminal activity through lawful channels.
“The SAPS remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the province, and we appeal to communities to work with the police in building safer neighbourhoods,” Traut added.
Police urge anyone with information that can assist police investigations to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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