Minister Fritz appalled by vigilante justice in Delft
16 March 2021
The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, was appalled to see the video footage circulated of two alleged robbers being attacked, one of whom was killed, by residents in Delft on 25 February 2021. Minister Fritz condemns vigilante justice of any kind and calls on residents to utilize state institutions such as law enforcement, Metro Police or SAPS where they suspect or have evidence of criminal activity.
Following the attack, one of the victims succumbed to his injuries in hospital and the other was seriously injured. Thereafter, six men were arrested and charged for murder and attempted murder. Their next court appearance will be on 9 May 2021.
Minister Fritz was equally appalled to observe members of SAPS seemingly standing by and not responding to the act of vigilantism before them. He regards this as a gross dereliction of the duty and responsibilities of SAPS. He welcomes the subsequent arrest of six suspects involved in the attack and the internal investigation being conducted by SAPS into the incident.
Going forward, Minister Fritz will request SAPS’ report on the internal investigation and should it be necessary, report such to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation.