Community stones murder suspect to death

Angry community members stoned a man to death after the body of a 19-year-old girl was recovered near Greytown.

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– A man suspected by angry community members of murder was stoned to death in Muden near Greytown on Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal police said.

According to a police statement, 34-year-old Bhobhodla Dladla was killed after the body of a 19-year-old girl was recovered.

Phathela Tshabha was reported missing on June 7 by her family when she did not return from school.

“Family members reported her missing at the local police station at Muden. A search was conducted but she could not be found,” the statement said.

Tshaba’s body was found on Thursday morning when the Pietermaritzburg K9 unit returned to the area to continue the search.

“It is suspected that she was strangled with her school tie and killed,” police said. A case of murder was opened at Muden police station for further investigation.

“While the [SAPS] member were at the murder scene, angry community members traced and allegedly stoned the suspect to death. The police had to open another murder case for the killing of the suspect and detectives will investigate and arrest those involved.”

Dladla was killed near to the vicinity where the girl’s body was found.

“We strongly condemn such an act by community members. The community must not take the law into their own hands, but should rather hand over the suspect to the police, who will investigate the alleged case against the suspect and charge him accordingly,” said acting KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Bhekinkosi Langa.

“Those who are involved in the killing of the suspect will be arrested and charged accordingly.”

African News Agency