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The Congress of the People is disturbed by the recent outbreak of mob justice in Diepsloot. This weekend saw the second incident of vigilantism in the area within the space of two weeks. The gruesome nature of the murders only adds to the collective guilt of the community.

COPE understands that the community is impatient with the perceived incompetence in the police services. While the public image of the police services has been severely compromised in the last few weeks, the rule of law must prevail. Everyone living in South Africa is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. The only proven perpetrators of any crime so far has been the members of the community who savagely beat, stoned and set fire to their victims.

COPE appeals to any member of the Diepsloot community who remains tight-lipped as to the identity of perpetrators of these cold blooded murders to come forward and give information. Silence on this matter amounts to complicity in the crime.

COPE also calls for the Diepsloot Police Services, and indeed the Police Services of all areas, to work closely with the community in fighting the scourge of crime through co-operation, intelligence sharing and community involvement.

An eye for an eye makes everyone blind.