A destitute man was burnt to death by community patrollers in the Verulam CBD – Kwazulu Natal during the early hours of this morning (Sunday).
A Member of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) was on patrol when he was informed of the incident by a passerby. Reaction Officers interviewed the homeless man who explained that he and a friend are vagrants. He alleged that they were sleeping under a bridge next to the Umdloti River when they noticed two unbranded vans with white flashing lights stopped on the R102 at approximately 03:00 (Sunday).
Occupants of the vehicles approached them and burnt their blankets and other belongings. He managed to flee but left his friend behind. The man returned several hours later and discovered his friend’s burnt body. The deceased is believed to have crawled under a supporting pillar in an attempt to evade his attackers and the heat from the fire.
Reaction Officers transported the complainant to the scene situated at the dead end of Wick Street in the Verulam CBD – KZN. On arrival, Reaction Officers discovered the Verulam SAPS in attendance. The charred remains of the deceased was located under the base of an upright support pillar (picture 1).
Law Enforcement are searching for the Community Patrollers responsible for the murder.