Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a devastating reality for many South Africans, with one in three women falling victim to this abuse. In response to this crisis, some communities have begun to take matters into their own hands, despite the South African Police Service (SAPS) urging citizens to trust the legal system to handle such situations. A recent incident shared on social media has sparked widespread debate, highlighting the tension between justice and mob rule.
In a disturbing video that quickly gained traction online, a woman is seen striking a man with a white object, while others appear to join in. The caption accompanying the clip claims that the man had a history of abuse, particularly towards his wife, and that the community had decided to intervene on her behalf. The video suggests that this collective action was a form of retribution, offering the woman a rare opportunity to inflict punishment on her alleged abuser. “This man is a woman abuser; he used to beat his wife daily, even in the streets; the community took over and gave the woman a chance to beat him, the community taught him a lesson,” the caption reads. The man is shown being relentlessly beaten as onlookers watch. One voice in the background is heard cautioning against the violence: “Guys no. This is not right. It is not the way to do things.” Despite this, one man urges the woman to continue the assault, illustrating the complex emotions that often accompany such acts of vengeance.
While the community may have seen this as a form of justice, the SAPS has strongly condemned these actions. Major General Patrick Asaneng has urged South Africans to refrain from engaging in mob justice, stressing that such behavior only leads to further harm and undermines the rule of law. This warning comes in the wake of another tragic event, the death of 29-year-old Lemogang Innocent Tiro, whose body was found burned in Dinokana village, Lehurutshe, near Zeerust. Tiro’s death has been linked to an accusation from community members who believed he was responsible for the murder of a 37-year-old woman earlier in February. The woman had allegedly died in a hospital after being attacked on February 2 in the Gamokgatlhe section of the village. The police have yet to make an arrest in the case, and investigations continue, but this incident highlights the dangerous consequences of taking justice into one’s own hands.
The incident in Dinokana underscores the growing frustration and anger many communities feel as they grapple with the scourge of GBV. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mob justice, where emotions can quickly escalate and lead to the loss of life. While the desire for justice is understandable, the law remains the best avenue for seeking redress, and communities must resist the temptation to resort to violence. The SAPS’s call for a more lawful approach aims to ensure that justice is not only served but also that it is served fairly and responsibly.
