Two men have been shot dead and another five injured in a mob justice incident at the Nyanga Taxi Rank on Wednesday (24 May).
It’s alleged that the men were driving in a Toyota Avanza when they were instructed by unknown armed men to drive to a street near the Nyanga Taxi Rank.
The driver of the Avanza complied and drove to the taxi rank where, upon arrival, the occupants were offloaded.
The seven men, including a 15-year-old boy, were forced into a container. They were beaten while inside the container and were allegedly forced to drink battery acid.
Two victims were shot in the head and died at the scene and others were left seriously injured.
A source told Daily Sun that the men had allegedly stolen another Avanza a few days ago.
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“They went on committing crimes using that Avanza including rape. After they committed those crimes, they abandoned the Avanza and stole another one. They were known and were wanted by the Amaphela drivers, so they were found today hence they were beaten up,” said the source.
Police spokeswoman Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed the incident.
“Provincial detectives have opened a murder and attempted murder case dockets for investigation following an incident where seven men were assaulted at the Nyanga Taxi Rank. The assault led to the deaths of two of the men aged 23 and 26. Meanwhile, five of the victims between the ages of 15 and 27 who were seriously injured are fighting for their lives in a local hospital,” Novela said.
“Circumstances surrounding the incident are the subject of the police investigation currently underway. The SAPS have reinforced deployments at the Nyanga Taxi Rank area in a bid to apprehend the suspects and prevent further criminal acts from occurring. Detectives are following up all leads including the possibility that the motive is a vigilante attack.”
It is believed that all the victims came from Crossroads.
