Vigilante attack claims three lives in Philippi: Police launch investigation

Three men have died in an alleged act of vigilantism in Siqualo in Philippi after they were set alight.

Police were called to the scene on Saturday, along Weltevreden Road in Philippi, where the remains of the men were found.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut, explained: “The Western Cape police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the bodies of three unknown men in the Siqualo informal settlement, Weltevreden Road, Philippi, at approximately 5.30pm on November 15. The victims were found set alight, and preliminary indications suggest that the incident is linked to vigilantism.”

Traut said the SAPS condemned the act of vigilantism.

“Acts of mob justice are criminal and pose a direct threat to the safety and stability of our communities. No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the circumstances. Such actions undermine the justice system and fuel further violence,” he added.

Traut added that detectives were following up on all leads to assist in identifying the victims and tracing those responsible for this brutal crime. “We urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation to make contact with the police immediately,” he said.

MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, said she was deeply saddened and disturbed by the latest incident in Philippi, citing that it added to the concern of mass killings in the province. “This follows closely on the heels of other mass killings in Delft and Philippi, and it is clear that our communities are living under immense pressure as violent crime continues to devastate families across the province,” she added.

“I fully understand the deep frustration felt by residents who live daily under the shadow of crime. Too often, justice is delayed or, in the most painful cases, never arrives. This reality fuels anger, fear, and a sense of hopelessness among communities who simply want to live in safety.

“However, it is deeply concerning and unacceptable when, out of this frustration, community members take the law into their own hands. We remain committed to working with our communities and law-enforcement partners to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for acts of violence are brought before the courts.”

Just a week ago, police were called to Sandrivier Street in Leiden, Delft, where three gunshot victims' bodies were found. The shooting follows the horrific shooting three weeks ago in Philippi East, which saw seven people dead and seven suspects arrested.

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