POLICE have repeated a warning to the public not to take the law into their own hands after 38 women were arrested when an alleged rapist was beaten to death in Transkei.

The women are due to appear in the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of murder after mob justice was allegedly served at the weekend.

Police spokesman Superintendent Mzukisi Fatyela said Zibele Mxhesho, 27, died after allegedly being assaulted by the women on Friday.

He had been released on bail, following the recent rape of a young woman in the Transkei town.

The women, between the ages of 23 and 70, approached Mxhesho while he was waiting at the bus stop.

They allegedly began assaulting him with any weapon they could find, Fatyela said. He died at the scene.

“The women were arrested on Friday and Saturday and they will appear in the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of murder,” he said.

There has been a spate of mob killings in the Eastern Cape, including a recent case in Port Elizabeth where a 35-year-old man was killed in Kwazakhele.

Zola Jela allegedly assaulted and tried to rape a 65-year-old woman about two weeks ago, according to police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge.

“The mob was alerted to the alleged assault and attempted rape when the woman screamed. The community came with sticks and stones and beat him to death,” Beetge said.

Fatyela issued a stern warning about mob justice. “There was absolutely no need for them (women) to take the law into their own hands. This (mob justice) should stop.”

Rhodes University psychology professor David Edwards said: “This crime (rape) ignites a great deal of anger within the community, particularly in women, because it mobilises feelings which are simmering below the surface due to past experiences.”

Asked if he thought the courts would convict the women, Edwards said: “When you are dealing with mob justice you often find the onus and responsibility of one’s actions are diffused. A person will therefore blame the other, not sharing the responsibility.”