Daily Sun (October 29 2013) - ANGRY people say they take the law into their own hands because they don't trust the cops to protect them. Questions are asked in parliament and the violence is condemned, but the brutality continues. AND ONCE AGAIN A DEAD MAN LIES WITH UNSEEING EYES ON THE COLD GROUND, A CAR TYRE OVER HIS HEAD.
"People have lost faith in the police and the justice system. When criminals get arrested they are back on the streets within a week. When we punish criminals ourselves, we feel satisfied," said Nokulunga Phika (34).
She was speaking to Daily Sun at the scene where a man had been beaten to death in section 2, Philippi, Cape Town. Apparently a man and two accomplices robbed a woman of cash and a cellphone. Two of the men managed to get away but the third wasn't so lucky.
A resident, who did not want to be named, said he was one of the people who chased and caught the dead man. "We are sending a message to would-be criminals that crime will lead to death," he said. The woman who was robbed refused to speak to Daily Sun, fearing the police might arrest her.
A second body was found at the railway tracks near Philippi Station on Friday. According to residents, the man was beaten by residents and dumped there.
"He robbed and he was killed by residents," said a man who refused to give his name.