Alleged Philippi child kidnapper stoned to death in mob attack

AN EIGHTEEN-year-old Phillipi East suspect has been stoned to death in a mob justice attack after residents accused him of trying to kidnap a six-year-old boy.

Residents said the child was with his mother at the weekend when the suspect allegedly attempted to snatch him.

The suspect managed to flee initially, but was caught on Sunday night by residents as he hid in the Siyanyanzela informal settlement.

Police spokesperson Andre Traut said they are investigating.

“(Sunday) night at around 11pm an 18-year-old male was stoned to death in Philippi East by suspects who are yet to be arrested.

“The circumstances are under investigation,” said Traut.

Community Leader Nkululeko Mgolombane said CCTV cameras are not working in the area.

“Kidnapping is unacceptable and it does not matter how you justify it.

“Also, we do not encourage residents to take the law into their own hands. Instead they should work with police to arrest the suspect.

“The child who was almost kidnapped will be traumatised by this.

“My concern is, what was the suspect’s intentions in doing this?

“The area has cameras but they are not operating and that makes the suspects do as they wish.

“The installation of cameras is meant to reduce crime in our area but they have never worked, since the day they were installed, and that makes it hard for us to swiftly arrest the suspects or fight crime within our community,” said

Mgolombane.

Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said: “We are deeply concerned by violent incidents that take place in our communities, the kidnapping of children is a growing concern and should be addressed properly,” said Monakali.

Anyone with information about the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 0860010111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.