FIVE PEOPLE have been killed in two separate vigilante attacks in Africa.

Three men who were suspected of stealing power cables in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg,were killed after the alarm was raised people blowing on vuvuzelas, Al Jazeera reports

A police official is quoted as saying that the alleged thieves we surrounded by a mob of angry people, and their car was set on fire. Three other men who were with them managed to escape.

Incidents of power cable theft are common in poor areas of South Africa, and residents often suffer blackouts as a result.

Meanwhile, in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape province, two people were killed by a crowd after being accused of stealing clothes from a house, according to reports from Bloomberg.

Mob-rule is a common method of confronting problems, and is blamed for dozens of death every year.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

COMMENTS