Mob justice is a form of criminal behaviour punishable under the law, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said on Wednesday.

"Those who participate in these inglorious acts are just as guilty as those against whom they act or seek to act," he said in a statement.

"We appeal to the community to resist the temptation to participate in this criminal behaviour."

Radebe said government was working hard to strengthen the criminal justice system. One of the areas to be strengthened would be the bail process.

Legislation was being proposed where bail would be denied to people who committed a crime while already out on bail, he said.

Policy directives would be given to the police and prosecutors to guide them when dealing with bail.

However communities also needed to make it difficult for criminals to hide, Radebe said.

"We are willing to embark on information sessions which are intended to empower these structures so that they are able to know the legal parameters within which they must work.

"This includes how to and when to effect a citizen's arrest."

Law enforcement agencies and communities had to work together to ensure that the law was upheld, he said.