Police Commissioner condemns mob justice

Sunday, August 24, 2014

By More Matshediso

Pretoria – National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, has condemned the increasing trends of mob justice and killing people accused of witchcraft and the burning of their houses.

“Some victims, especially in murder-related cases, were elderly people with no food or clothing. The South African Police Service (SAPS) will not ignore these incidents,” said Phiyega.

She was addressing the residents of Thomo village in Giyani, Limpopo during a crime awareness campaign on ritual murders, witchcraft and mob justice on Saturday.

The Police Commissioner said such incidents did not only happen in Giyani but also in other parts of Limpopo.

“Because of mob justice, a 14-year-old child was killed in Letsitele, and a 29-year-old adult was detained in custody for murder. In Giyani, six suspects were granted R1 500 bail each, for the murder of a 52-year-old woman, who was accused of killing her sister-in-law in the Thomo Village,” Phiyega said.

She spoke about similar cases that occurred in Namakgale and Hamakuya Guyuni Village.

“These are some of the most recent cases which emanated from our communities this year,” said Phiyega. 

Earlier on Saturday, Phiyega had unveiled a tombstone in remembrance of 52-year-old Catherina Nkovani-Chauke, who was stoned and set alight after being accused of witchcraft.   

“We erected a tombstone in remembrance of not only Mrs Chauke, but also for all the other members of the community who were victims of unlawful killings in the name of witchcraft, mob justice and ritual killings,” she said. 

The only way the community can win the fight against such crimes, is through working together with the police, by reporting criminal cases and discussing issues related to witchcraft, and not by taking the law into your own hands.

“As we approach our maturity as a democracy, we continue to witness extreme violence perpetrated against women and children. We are seeing acts of gross violation of basic human rights.

“Women, the elderly and children remain the most vulnerable. If we are to make a progressive Limpopo a reality, a shift in our mind-sets and perceptions is of paramount importance,” she added.

Phiyega urged traditional leaders, Community Police Forums (CPFs), community-based organisations (CBOs) and other community leaders to deliberate on issues affecting their communities.

“As custodians of the law mandated to protect and to serve, we call upon you to join us in the fight against crime.

“There should be a platform among ourselves where the community at large, including the youth, can discuss issues that concern their safety and roles in the fight against crime,” she added. –Sanews.gov.za