49 arrested for 3 mob justice murders
2013-01-12 22:19
Port Elizabeth - Three men were beaten to death by a mob in
the Ntsheleni informal settlement in Tabankulu after being accused of theft,
Eastern Cape police said on Saturday.
"They were beaten to death with sticks and sharp
instruments," Captain Mlungisi Matidane said.
The men, Zimandise Senene, 30, Bongumsa Senene, 29, Ayanda
Mhlonywa, 24, were accused of theft on Thursday evening after numerous
housebreakings at the informal settlement near Uniondale.
Community members searched their house and found a
generator, a DVD, and some speakers which were allegedly among the stolen
items, Matidane said.
A mob took the men to a field where they were questioned and
attacked.
On Friday 49 people, aged between 17 and 50, were arrested
in connection with the murders.
"A task team of detectives were formed immediately. The
people were taken to the Tabankulu police station."
Matidane said 24 were linked to the investigation and the
rest were released after questioning.
The 24 would appear in the Tabankulu Magistrate's Court on
Monday on charges of murder.
- SAPA
