A video of a mob justice attack in Sea Point has gone viral. A man allegedly stole a woman’s phone before being apprehended and beaten by several men.
Also read: Jogger dies of heart attack during morning run in Sea Point
The video surfaced shortly after the attack on Tuesday, when it was shared on crime groups and community pages on Facebook.
Robberies in Sea Point have increased dramatically, including chain snatching and victims being robbed of their cellphones and personal belongings on the streets.
Crimefighters have blamed the robberies on an increase in street children roaming the area.
This is the first recorded instance of the community fighting back.
The video shows four men beating the suspect, while the female victim, a foreigner, rushes to the robber’s aid.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Appreciate the beauty of Cape Town with a 60-minute cruise for R155 (valued at R310). Get it here.
She returns to the opposite side of the road as more men approach.
The suspect can be heard pleading for mercy as a man in navy blue and white shorts and a black vest whips him with a stick.
Two more men kick the crying suspect, while a woman in the background shouts in isiXhosa, ‘Hit him!’
The alleged cell phone robber, dressed in white and blue jeans, lies in a foetal position while being beaten and kicked in the head.
The men ask the suspect, ‘Where is the phone?’
The victim informs the suspect, ‘I forgive you.’
However, the suspect is assaulted again by the mob, and the woman screams: ‘Guys, please stop! You don’t have to beat him.’
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirms: ‘A 30-year-old man was arrested on a charge of robbery which occurred on Tuesday, 13 February, in Sea Point.
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under R100 000. Find car listings here.
Also read:
Pensioner suspected to be linked to recent jewellery thefts in Sea Point
Picture: Sceenshot