Mob Justice Turns Deadly: Four Burned Alive in Car

Police in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape are investigating separate incidents in which multiple bodies were found burnt beyond recognition, raising concerns about vigilantism and stock theft. The incidents, both reported on Saturday, November 15, 2025, have prompted strong condemnation from the South African Police Service (SAPS), who have warned against the dangers of mob justice.

In the first incident, officers in KwaZulu-Natal responded to reports of two vehicles ablaze in the Umatata area of Inanda. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered a horrific scene: one body, burnt beyond recognition, inside a Nissan NP200, and three more similarly charred bodies inside a Toyota Rumion.

"Police responded to reports of two vehicles which were burnt and upon arrival at the scene, police found one body burnt beyond recognition inside a Nissan NP200, and three other bodies were found inside a Toyota Rumion, also burnt beyond recognition," said provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

Adding to the mystery, police also found the carcasses of three cattle nearby the NP200 vehicle. The motive for the killings remains unknown, but investigators suspect a possible link to stock theft.

"The motive of the killings is unknown at this stage; however, police suspect that the incident may be related to stock theft," Netshiunda stated.

The process of identifying the victims is currently underway, and police have launched a manhunt for the suspects involved.

Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, police are investigating a similar incident in the Siqalo informal settlement in Philippi, where the bodies of three men were discovered, also burnt.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut, officers were alerted to the scene at approximately 5.30pm on Saturday. The victims, who remain unidentified, had been set alight. Preliminary investigations suggest that vigilantism may be to blame.

“The victims were found set alight, and preliminary indications suggest that the incident is linked to vigilantism,” Traut confirmed.

The SAPS has reacted strongly to the incident, condemning all acts of mob justice. Traut emphasised that such actions are not only criminal but also undermine the rule of law and endanger communities.

“The South African Police Service condemns vigilantism in the strongest possible terms. Acts of mob justice are criminal and pose a direct threat to the safety and stability of our communities,” he asserted.

Traut stressed that no amount of community frustration can justify taking the law into one's own hands. He warned that such actions only serve to undermine the justice system and incite further violence.

“No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the circumstances. Such actions undermine the justice system and fuel further violence,” Traut stated.

Both incidents highlight the challenges facing South African communities, with issues such as crime and stock theft potentially leading to acts of vigilantism. The police are appealing to anyone with information about either case to come forward and assist with the investigations. The authorities are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further acts of violence. The investigations continue.