Cape Town – Western Cape police have launched an urgent investigation into what is believed to be another deadly vigilante attack in Philippi, after three charred bodies were discovered in the Siqualo informal settlement over the weekend.
Police spokesperson Colonel André Traut described the incident as deeply disturbing, warning that vigilante violence continues to endanger communities and derail the criminal justice process.
As reported by EWN, Traut said: “Acts of mob justice are criminal and pose a direct threat to the safety and stability of our communities.”
He stressed that no frustration or suspicion can justify killing: “No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the circumstances.”
According to IOL, police strongly suspect that the victims were assaulted before being set alight.
The publication noted that SAPS investigators “condemned the attack in the strongest terms”.
“Such actions undermine the justice system and fuel further violence.”
Officers were on the scene for hours, gathering what little forensic evidence remained.
The Western Cape Community Policing Forum has condemned the killing of three people whose bodies were torched at the Siqalo informal settlement in Philippi. It’s believed the incident may have been a vigilante attack.
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This incident adds to a worrying pattern of mob justice cases in the Western Cape. As reported by Cape Argus, community members often take matters into their own hands due to frustration over crime and slow prosecutions — but police have repeatedly emphasised that such attacks are unlawful and frequently target innocent people.
Authorities have appealed to the public to assist with identifying the three victims and to share any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators. According to SAPS, detectives from the provincial serious and violent crime unit have been assigned to the case, and door-to-door inquiries are underway.
Police further urged residents to work with law enforcement rather than resort to violence. Traut reaffirmed this position, saying: “We call on communities to report crime and allow the justice system to deal with offenders. Vigilantism creates more victims, not solutions.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stop or their nearest police station.
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compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
