The Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Inanda, north of Durban, has expressed concerns over rising tensions in the area ahead of a court appearance by 12 suspects linked to the brutal murders of five men.
The suspects are set to appear in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court on Monday after police discovered the victims’ bodies on Friday. Reports indicate that the five men were abducted from their homes and hacked to death in what appears to be a mob justice attack.
CPF chairperson Mbongeni Phewa said residents are demanding the release of the suspects, claiming they were acting to protect the community. He warned that violence could escalate if authorities fail to address the underlying issues.
“The community will continue attacking these individuals. Most of them are well known. The rise in drug use is driving crime in the area, and that is why residents have resorted to taking matters into their own hands,” Phewa stated.
He called on government and other stakeholders to intervene urgently to prevent further bloodshed and restore order.
Authorities have yet to confirm the motive behind the killings, but police remain on high alert as tensions simmer in the area.