Harare police are investigating four murder cases that occurred at Nkandla informal settlement in Harare, Khayelitsha in the early hours of today, Monday the 29th. Provincial police spokesperson Col Andre Traut confirmed the incidents, saying around midnight officers responded to a report of a murder and arrived at the scene to see the body of a male burnt beyond recognition.
“While attending to the scene 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 said the killings all bore the hallmarks of vigilante action. He said the police condemned such violent acts, that taking the law into one’s own hands is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.
“Such acts not only undermine the rule of law but also create fear and instability within communities. The officer’s 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 members are frustrated, but we can’t allow people to do as they pleased. Whoever has a problem or sees any criminal activity happening must report it to the officers.” Mqina stated he condemned the brutal killings and urged the community to calm down.
“It was alleged the deceased were some of the criminals who were terrorising the community in the area. They were robbing and stealing from the people’s houses.”
