*Warning: Pictures Are Graphic & Not For Sensitive Readers.
Three men accused of stock theft were brutally assaulted by members of the Hazelmere – KZN community this afternoon (Tuesday).
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) received a call for assistance at approximately 15:22. On arrival, Reaction Officers discovered a large crowd consisting of men, woman and children standing around three men.
It was established that the three individuals stole a goat from the area. Residents noticed them loading it into a white VW Polo and they blocked the unpaved road. The community removed the men from the vehicle and began assaulting them. The stolen goat was recovered in the boot of the vehicle.
Reaction Officers interviewed the suspects, who confirmed that they intended on stealing three goats but attempted to flee after they realised they were being monitored. They also stated that they had previously stolen life stock from the area. The stolen goats were sold to a life stock dealer from Inanda – KZN for R500 each.
The driver informed RUSA Members that he provided an E-Hailing service. He further explained that he had no knowledge that his vehicle was being used in the commission of a crime. An elderly female complained that she had 13 goats stolen over the last six months.
The seriously injured suspects were handed over to the Verulam SAPS for further investigation.