KwaZulu-Natal police have launched an investigation after four people were found burnt to death inside two cars at Umatata area in Inanda.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the victims were found on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
“Police responded to reports of two vehicles which were burnt and upon arrival at the scene, police found one body burnt beyond recognition inside a Nissan NP200, and three other bodies were found inside a Toyota Rumion, also burnt beyond recognition,” said Netshiunda.
He added that police also found three carcasses of cattle next to the NP200 vehicle.
“The motive of the killings is unknown at this stage; however, police suspect that the incident may be related to stock theft,” he said
Netshiunda said the process of identifying the victims was underway and a search for the suspects was ongoing.
In another similar incident, Western Cape police have launched an investigation after the bodies of three men were found burnt in the Siqalo informal settlement in Philippi.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that officers were alerted to the gruesome scene at around 5.30pm on November 15, 2025.
According to Traut, the victims, who have not yet been identified, were set alight, and early indications point to vigilantism.
“The victims were found set alight, and preliminary indications suggest that the incident is linked to vigilantism,” he said.
SAPS has strongly condemned the attack, warning that acts of mob justice endanger communities and undermine the rule of law.
“The South African Police Service condemns vigilantism in the strongest possible terms. Acts of mob justice are criminal and pose a direct threat to the safety and stability of our communities,” Traut said.
He stressed that even community frustration cannot justify taking the law into one’s own hands.
“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.”
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