In Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa, an enraged mob has taken justice into their own hands, killing a man accused of raping and murdering a 6-year-old girl named Skholiwe Mahleka.

The incident unfolded a day after her disappearance in NU 13 Inyibiba near Mdantsane.

According to reports, the child’s lifeless body was discovered concealed under a bed in the alleged killer’s house.

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Colonel Priscilla Naidu, the provincial police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, stating that the suspected murderer faced severe assault from community members and succumbed to his injuries.

The police were alerted to the situation when the community, acting on received information, went to search for the missing child.

Upon arriving at the house in NU 13 Inyibiba around 20:30 pm on Thursday, the police encountered hostility from the community.

With additional support, the authorities entered the premises and found a severely injured naked male outside, who later passed away.

During the search, the lifeless body of the 6-year-old was discovered under the bed, wrapped in plastic.

Colonel Naidu mentioned that there are suspicions of rape, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted.

The police are currently investigating two cases of murder. Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nomthetheleli Mene emphasized the importance of vigilance and education in protecting children from sexual predators.

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While acknowledging the intense emotions involved, she stressed that vigilantism is not the solution, urging the rule of law to prevail and condemning any form of violence.

Mene called on communities to collaborate in addressing the underlying causes of such heinous acts and extended condolences to the victim’s family.