Three suspects to appear in court after Ilinge mob attack

Three suspects are expected to appear before the Ezibeleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 1 October 2026, following the death of a man who was allegedly assaulted by community members in Ilinge.

According to the Eastern Cape SAPS, the three suspects, aged between 31 and 42, were arrested on Tuesday, 29 September, during a joint operation involving Ilinge SAPS and officers from neighbouring police stations.

Police said officers received a telephone complaint reporting that two men were allegedly being assaulted by community members in the Mzamo area of Ilinge.

The two men were allegedly suspected of interfering with electrical infrastructure in the area.

Officers from neighbouring police stations were called to assist Ilinge SAPS in responding to the situation.

Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered one man who had sustained multiple injuries and was declared dead.

According to information provided to police by bystanders, one of the men had allegedly been descending an electricity pole while the second man was waiting at the base of the pole.

Community members allegedly began assaulting the two men. One died following the assault, while the second sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital.

SAPS confirmed that the three arrested suspects are expected to face allegations of murder when they appear in the Ezibeleni Magistrate’s Court.

Chris Hani District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph condemned acts of vigilantism and urged residents not to take the law into their own hands.

Adolph called on community members who suspect criminal activity to report it to the police rather than confronting or assaulting suspected offenders.

He also commended the cooperation between Ilinge SAPS and neighbouring police stations during the response.

The investigation into the incident continues.