Eastern Cape mob kills three men for theft

Three men were beaten to death by a mob for theft in the Ntsheleni informal settlement in Tabankulu, Eastern Cape police said on Saturday.

"They were beaten to death with sticks and sharp instruments," Captain Mlungisi Matidane said.

The men, Zimandise Senene, 30, Bongumsa Senene, 29, Ayanda Mhlonywa, 24, were accused of theft on Thursday evening after numerous house breakings at the informal settlement near Uniondale.

Community members searched their house and found a generator, a DVD, and some speakers which were allegedly among the stolen items, Matidane said.

A mob took the men to a field where they were questioned and attacked.

On Friday 49 people, aged between 17 and 50, were arrested in connection with the murders.

"A task team of detectives were formed immediately. The people were taken to the Tabankulu police station."

Matidane said 24 were linked to the investigation and the rest were released after questioning.

The 24 would appear in the Tabankulu Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of murder.