Kraaifontein was rocked by another violent triple murder on Wednesday night, with residents taking the law into their own hands.
The three men accused of criminal activity were killed vigilante-style, and their bodies were set alight by community members.
The incident took place in Laboheme Street, Wallacedene - just a day after three double murders in the area after four women and two men were killed in three separate shooting incidents.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said that police became aware of the incident around 10pm and are following every lead to arrest those responsible.
"SAPS detectives are pursuing every possible lead to trace and arrest those responsible for a brutal vigilante-style murder last night in Kraaifontein, in which three men in their thirties were killed and set alight," Traut said.
"At approximately 22:00, police were alerted to the incident in Laboheme Street, Wallacedene, where the bodies of the victims were discovered. Preliminary information suggests that the victims were accused by community members of criminal activity.
"Instead of allowing the law to take its course, they were violently attacked.
"The South African Police Service condemns vigilantism in the strongest possible terms. Taking the law into one’s own hands is a criminal offence, and those who participate in such acts will be prosecuted.”
Minister for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, encourages the public to work alongside police instead of taking matters into their own hands.
"I strongly condemn the brutal acts of vigilantism that occurred in Kraaifontein last night, where three men were killed and set alight."
"Such acts of lawlessness have no place in our society and only serve to undermine the rule of law and the pursuit of justice. While communities are understandably frustrated by crime, taking the law into one’s own hands is never the answer.
"I urge residents to refrain from any form of mob justice and instead work hand-in-hand with the South African Police Service to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are arrested and face the full might of the law through proper legal processes.
"I urge all citizens to continue supporting crime-fighting efforts by reporting any suspicious or criminal activity."
Police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to provide information anonymously through the SAPS mobile application MySAPS.
Wallacedene Councillor Siviwe Nodliwa said: “It is a crisis, it seems like the criminals are taking over. With the incident that happened yesterday it is very clear that the community are fed up and tired and are standing up.
"It becomes a dangerous situation because at the same time we can't encourage or allow people to take the law into their own hands but on the other hand there is a frustration where people are saying, it is over now, these criminals are walking around and enough is enough. There is a need for urgent intervention in my community. It is not something we wish to see and would like to happen, it is getting out of hand."
Cape Argus
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