Grassy Park police are investigating a case of murder after an alleged kidnapper was caught and set alight by angry Parkwood residents on Tuesday.
The incident occurred on the corners of Hyde Road and the M5 at around 11am, said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi.
“Upon arrival at the scene police found a Toyota Avanza in flames and the body of an unknown man who succumbed to death as a result of injuries sustained due to the fire.
“According to reports three unknown males were driving in the area in a Toyota Avanza when they were attacked by community members who then set vehicle alight.
“Two of the males that were in the vehicle managed to flee the scene.”
Graphic videos of the incident spread like wildfire across social media showing a plume of smoke coming from the burning vehicle surrounded by a group of residents.
Joseph said the suspects were yet to be arrested and the motive for the attack was unknown.
“Grassy Park police registered a murder for further investigation,” he added.
In a voice clip doing its rounds, a woman is heard explaining that three guys tried to kidnap two children but could not get to far because they were stopped by the community.
The woman said the two guys managed to escape with one of the children, while the other child was rescued and the kidnapper burnt alive.
“Ons is gatvol (we are tired).” the women is heard saying.
In another voice note a woman is heard screaming for the man to be left alone.
“What if he is innocent and you guys are just hurting him? Because of a voice note going around?”
A resident, who wanted to remain anonymous told Weekend Argus that she did not agree with what the mob did.
“Why not keep him alive if there is still suspects that got away? Let him talk…tell on those that he’s involved with. Now we sitting with more questions.”
Candice van der Rheede, founder and CEO of Western Cape Missing Persons Unit, said this was why she always stressed the importance of reporting a case and making absolutely sure of information that was being circulated.
“Especially information on social media, we understand that our people are fed-up but what if that man was innocent and the flare up was sparked by unconfirmed rumours? Then we will again sit with a problem of people getting criminal records.”