Third stock theft suspect stoned to death by villagers

A third stock thief suspect was stoned to death in the province on Sunday.

A man who was with him survived the stoning, which took place at Balfour village in King William’s Town.

He was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and appeared in the Seymour magistrate’s court on Tuesday, according to police spokesperson Captain Khaya Tonjeni.

The Dispatch reported on Tuesday that two men accused of being part of a stock-theft syndicate were stoned to death and torched near Stutterheim on Sunday.

Tonjeni said police urged victims of crime or members of the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

Regarding the King William’s Town incident, Tonjeni said the two suspects allegedly entered a kraal at Phillipton location in Balfour.

“Even though the gate of the kraal was locked, pliers were used to cut through the fence. Apparently the two men tried to take a sheep.

“It is alleged they were heard by a shepherd who came out and confronted them. One ran away and one fought with the shepherd,” said Tonjeni.

Hearing the commotion, neighbours came to the assistance of the shepherd.

“He was assaulted and stoned, and died on the scene,” said Tonjeni.

Eastern Cape police commissioner Lt-gen Liziwe Ntshinga condemned the incident.

“No-one is allowed to attack or murder another person. When an offender is apprehended by community, he should be handed over to the police,” she said.