Cops to work with communities to curb mob justice

POLICE in the province say they have identified hotspots for mob justice attacks and have started to engage with relevant role players in the affected communities.

This after eight people were killed in two mob justice attacks in three days in informal settlements in Mfuleni and Samora Machel.

Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said: “Through existing community structures such as CPFs, plans are afoot to convene an interactive session where means to deal with mob justice attacks will be tabled.

“The SAPS also intends running mob justice awareness initiatives to sensitise communities against these criminal acts.

“On the operational front, every endeavour is made to catch the perpetrators and bring them to book.”

Samora Machel community police forum spokesperson Bongani Maqungwana said the affected families would co-operate with the police to identify the bodies of the victims.

“The suspects get away with crimes they have committed, as usual, and the community gets tired of losing their hard-earned (possessions).

“In our areas there are not enough police and these areas are the most affected by crimes, ”said Maqungwana.

Stellenbosch University security and violence analyst Dr Guy Lamb said there was a skewed distribution of police resources within the province.

“If we look at Mfuleni, Samora Machel and Philippi, these areas are considered high crime stations. We see vigilante violence when communities become very concerned about the level of crime.

“Those who live in the area know who the group or suspect is and feel the police are not taking the appropriate action,” said Lamb.