GQEBERHA – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has strongly condemned an apparent incident of mob justice that claimed the lives of two men and left a third critically injured in Soweto-on-Sea on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, at approximately 08:38, members attached to KwaZakele SAPS responded to information regarding an alleged assault in the Soweto-on-Sea area.
“While conducting patrols, community members directed police to a house in Johnson Road where it was alleged that several people were being assaulted,” she said. “Upon arrival, police knocked at the door of the premises but initially received no response, despite observing people inside the property.”
Janse van Rensburg added that while engaging with occupants, officers noticed bloodstains on the trousers of one of the men at the premises and requested additional police assistance.
“Once access to the property was gained, police discovered the bodies of two unidentified men, aged 28 and 29, lying inside the house,” she stated. “A third victim (24) was found in one of the back rooms with severe injuries after allegedly being assaulted and was transported to hospital for medical treatment.”
She further shared that the preliminary investigation indicates that the victims were allegedly accused of being involved in a housebreaking at the property during the past weekend while the occupants were away.
The matter is being thoroughly investigated, and the allegations remain part of the police investigation.
“Two men, aged between 25 and 30, and a 55-year-old woman were arrested at the scene on charges of two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder,” Janse van Rensburg said.
She added that they are expected to appear in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court soon.
Police have reiterated that members of the public should never take the law into their own hands.
“Anyone suspected of committing a crime should be reported to the police so that the matter can be investigated through the criminal justice system. Acts of vigilantism and mob justice are criminal offences and will be dealt with accordingly,” she concluded.
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