Ntsikelelo Qoyo

Last week The Rep reported about mob justice that happened in Newvale where a man was murdered. The Rep intern went into the streets to find out what people thought about mob justice and security in South Africa.

It is not correct to take the law into our hands, let it take its course. But sometimes police delay and people become impatient. It is worse when you go to the police station and it is closed.

On one side it is right. Criminals don’t get punished. They are arrested, but are back in the streets again. It is said they have rights, but I want to know what about the rights of the victim?

It sends a warning to other would-be criminals. I heard the African Transformation Movement wants to bring back the death penalty. I support that.

Being a parent I would also be devastated if my child was raped. The police failed the community. He was a known criminal. But I am torn and I feel sorry for him too. I would not pray for that to happen to my worst enemy.

If my child was raped I would probably kill someone. Even though I understand why people did it I still don’t think mob justice is the answer. I am torn. What must be done when the law fails?

I support mob justice. The police office is sometimes closed. We are even told when we go there that the police vans are occupied and cannot assist. Police respond long after the incident. Abuse is constantly in national headlines. I think this is just the beginning of these mob justice incidents.