Soweto community resorts to mob justice over manhole cover theft

A DISTURBING video circulating on social media highlights the increasing theft of manhole covers in Soweto.

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

The footage, taken in Zola, shows three elderly men allegedly caught stealing, subjected to violent punishment by community members.

In one clip, the men are seen pulling a horse-drawn carriage loaded with manhole lids while residents force them to promise never to steal again. The trio is also shown returning the lids to their original locations.

The situation becomes even more disturbing in a second video, where the same men appear beaten but still pulling the carriage stacked with manhole covers.

Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that no cases had been opened against either the alleged perpetrators or the community involved in the mob justice incident.

"While we are aware of the video, no arrests have been made because no complainant has come forward to formally open a case," he said.