A community group called Abaqondisi, which was established to assist the Madadeni SAPS in combating crime, is in a bit of hot water following an assault in Osizweni, KwaZulu-Natal.
The group, which had garnered substantial support from the community, is now being investigated along with other community members.
The incident occurred over the past weekend when a young man was on his way home and was assaulted by the group.
According to Osizweni SAPS spokesperson Captain Sipho Nkosi, the group had suspected that the young man was involved in a theft where a bag was stolen. They pointed him out and began assaulting him, attempting to get him into one of their cars.
Fortunately, the victim’s father saw what was happening and rushed to his son’s aide, begging the group to stop beating his son and rather take him to the police station if they suspected him of a crime.
Captain Nkosi stated that an assault case was now underway, and he urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands. He emphasised that people cannot take the law into their own hands and beat others, as this is against the law.
“As the police, we are urging residents to rather call the SAPS when a crime takes place so that we can attend to the matter and take the suspects into custody,” he added.
The Abaqondisi group had previously been lauded for their efforts to help the police combat crime, but now find themselves in hot water for their actions. Investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have been made yet.
What are your thoughts on the incident? Share your views in the comment section below.
You either die a hero or live long enough to become the villian
At Osizweni in particular i can confirm that there is a reduction of crime and gangsterism after the introduction of abaqondisi.however, they must not take law into their hands… perpetrators/ suspects must be handed over to SAPS.