Residents of Setjwetla in Alexandra are reeling from shock after waking up to find bodies of four men who were burnt beyond recognition.
It is alleged the men were victims of mob justice and were killed by the same Setjwetla community.
Community Police Forum member Emanuel Ramahlwe said the dead men were known to the residents and targeted because to various crimes that it is alleged they committed.
Ramahlwe said they were found with weapons that it is believed they used to commit all kinds of crimes including house-breakings, rapes and robberies.
“The community has been suspecting and keeping an eye on them for a while but they were scared. Yesterday just before 8pm they had the courage to go to their houses. They found bolt cutters and guns and took the group close to the river and threw stones at them before setting them alight,” he said.
He said when police were called to the scene the community pelted them with stones.
“Police left and returned with backup to disperse the group but the damage was done already,” he said.
A Mozambican national Addelia Makhwiyana who sells fruits and snacks was removing the ashes of the burnt men when Newsnote arrived on the scene and she said she found blood, shoes and belts in the ashes.
“I’m not removing these ashes because I like it. I don’t have a choice. I have to continue with my business,” she said when asked.
Police in Gauteng said they were pelted with stones when they arrived at the scene.
“It is reported that on 18 July 2023 at about 8.30pm the police received a complaint of a murder in progress at Setjwetla in Bramley policing area.
“Upon arrival, the members found a group of people, who pelted police with stones and refused them near the scene. Back-up was called and that is when the group dispersed and police discovered that four men had been burned to death,” said Gauteng Police Spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear at this stage and no suspect(s) have been arrested”.
Anyone who may have information about this incident is requested to contact the police at the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111.”
