Harare police are probing four murder cases in what is believed to be a vigilante attack in the early hours on Monday 29 September.
The gruesome incident, where four men were burnt beyond recognition, happened at Nkandla informal settlement in Harare, Khayelitsha.
Circumstances surrounding the killings remain unknown, however, Western Cape police spokesperson Col Andre Traut confirmed that police are investigating the killings. He said around midnight officers responded to a report of a murder. When they arrived at the scene they discovered a body of a male burnt beyond recognition.
“While attending to the scene, the officers were alerted to another incident in the area,” he said. “The bodies of two additional males were found burnt beyond recognition. In a separate, but possibly related matter, around 02:00, the body of a 30-year-old male was found in the settlement with multiple stab wounds. He was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel.”
Traut said according to the officers the killings all bore the hallmarks of vigilante action. He also condemned any act of violence meted out as revenge. “Such acts not only undermine the rule of law but also create fear and instability within communities. The investigations are underway and those responsible for these murders will face the full might of the law once caught. We call on community members to refrain from acts of vigilantism and to report suspected criminal activity through lawful channels.”
Ward 99 councillor Lonwabo Mqina described the incident as disturbing. He appealed to the community not to take the law into their hands.
“I understand that the community are frustrated, but we can’t allow people to do as they please. Whoever has a problem or sees any criminal activity happening must report it to the officers.”
Mqina condemned the killings and urged the community to calm down.
“It is alleged the deceased are among the criminals who terrorised the community in the area. They were robbing and stealing from the people’s houses.”
