Vigilantes in the Cape Town suburb of Mfuleni allegedly assaulted and severed the fingers of four suspected thieves, believed to have been stealing clothes from washing lines.

Western Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, confirmed that Mfuleni police are investigating a case of murder following the death of a 25-year-old man. The man was found dead in the Covid informal settlement shortly after 12:50 on Friday.

According to Pojie, three other individuals, aged between 20 and 25, were taken to a medical facility after being assaulted by a mob who accused them of committing crimes in the community.

Local resident Bulelwa Ncukana, 42, witnessed the incident and reported that the men were severely beaten after being caught stealing clothes from a washing line. “There was blood everywhere, and the four men were begging the residents, promising they wouldn't steal again,” Ncukana said. She added that residents cut off the men’s fingers to prevent further thefts.

Mfuleni Community Policing Forum (CPF) spokesperson, Washief Volkwyn, acknowledged the community's frustration with rising crime but condemned vigilante actions. “We are continually educating the community and holding imbizos to encourage cooperation with relevant stakeholders to reduce our crime statistics,” he stated, noting that limited resources at police stations were hampering their efforts.

Ayanda Ndimande, 35, a resident of the same street where the attack occurred, expressed the community’s exasperation. “It has become almost impossible to do washing and hang clothes out on the washing line over the past year,” she said. “Residents are fed up with thieves acting with impunity.”

Ndimande recounted her own experience with theft. “It's winter now, and the clothes take two days to dry, so I have to dedicate two days of my life every week to guard clothes on the washing line,” she said, adding that her husband’s shoes were stolen after she left them outside to dry. “My husband has only one pair of shoes left now.”

Another resident, Khaya Ntlabati, 40, reported that locals frequently complain about clothes being stolen from washing lines. “We don't know if these thieves sell the clothes or wear them because they take everything, including clothes for newborn babies,” she said. Ntlabati mentioned that residents were pleased to have caught those responsible for the thefts.

Lieutenant Colonel Pojie stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident and the motive are part of an ongoing investigation. “We appeal to anyone with information regarding the alleged mob attack to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111,” he said.

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