By Thys Khiba – Police in Tonga, in Ehlanzeni District Municipality in Mpumalanga have retrieved a body of a 27-year-old male from the Nkomazi River on Wednesday morning.
His body was found six days after he went missing, about five kilometres from the scene where he reportedly drowned.
This comes after the victim and his friend were allegedly trying to run away from the angry mob in Tonga.
“When community members breathe a sigh of relief following the recent floods that claimed a number of lives, police had to deal with yet another drowning incident in Tonga.
“Unlike drownings witnessed recently which were mainly accidental, the current drowning of a 27-year-old male is regrettable and police believe that it could have been avoided if people adhered to the call by police to refrain from any form of mob justice,” said Mpumalanga Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
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Mohlala indicated one of the two victims is said to have managed to successfully swim across the river whilst his fellow disappeared in the heavy current of Nkomazi River on Friday, 17 March 2023.
Police are investigating circumstances surrounding his death that led to the attack and those involved.
To deal with crime allegations related to this one, community members are advised to utilise services of the police rather than taking reckless decisions which might end up claiming people’s lives.
In South Africa, citizens who are engaging in mob justice and blame government are warned by the law enforcement authorities.
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