Vigilante villagers beat teens
2003-12-02 16:40
Riot Hlatshwayo
Polokwane - A pair of teenage twins and three alleged accomplices were hospitalised on Tuesday after being beaten by an angry mob.
The gun-totting youths, led by a 22-year-old man, were allegedly caught fleeing with loot from a hold-up just before dawn in Makgofe village near Polokwane.
"They had disarmed a security guard and were fleeing with cash, a television, and music equipment, when villagers were alerted and cornered the gang hiding in a nearby shack," said police spokesperson Inspector Ntobeng Phala.
"Outraged villagers thoroughly beat the gangsters before calling the police."
All the stolen items, including the security's guard's 9mm pistol, were recovered.
The youths, including a pair of 15-year-old twins, were hospitalised due to the severity of their injuries.
"Villagers are obviously tired of crime, but this is no excuse for taking the law into your own hands and turning vigilante," warned Phala.
No villagers have been charged yet, but police are investigating possible assault charges against suspected village ringleaders.
The five youths are meanwhile scheduled to appear in court on armed robbery charges later this week.
- African Eye