Four men burnt to death, two hanged in Eastern Cape villages

Six young men were brutally killed – four burnt alive and two others hanged –  in two neighbouring villages of  Cacadu (formerly Lady Frere) on Wednesday evening. A seventh man was seriously injured.

The first four men's bodies were discovered at Zingqolweni village, in the  KuNdonga administrative area, while two other men were found hanged at the nearby Maqhashu administrative area at about 5.45pm.

Police spokesperson  Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana on Thursday morning said the deceased were between the ages of 21 and 27.

"A member of the community alerted police that four young men had been burnt alive in an open veld ... The SAPS members responded swiftly, and, as they were busy working and processing the scene of crime, another report came through about two more bodies of young men who were found hanged in the nearby forest at Maqhashu administrative area. This brought the number of the deceased people to six, while one managed to escape the attack and was rushed to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention," said Kinana.

Police said the motive for the killings was unknown and no arrests had been made. Six cases of murder and one of attempted murder have been opened for investigation.

Police provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga has expressed shock and disappointment at the ruthless killings, and ordered a 72-hour activation plan to ensure that all necessary resources are mobilised.

“My forces are not going to sleep until these heartless criminals are found.

"Mob justice remains a serious offence and those who continue to engage in vigilante-style activities must face the consequences of their actions,” said Ntshinga.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects is requested to make contact with the nearest police station, or call the Crime Stop number 086 00 10 111. All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality.

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