A 21-year-old man appeared in the Grahamstown Magistrate's Court on Monday after a mob of residents found him in possession of stolen copper cables.
A 21-year-old man appeared in the Grahamstown Magistrate's Court on Monday after a mob of residents found him in possession of stolen copper cables.
Bulelani Nonyathi was rounded up by Vukani residents last Thursday afternoon when they discovered coils of copper cables on him. They stripped him naked and beat him until he bled. He was taken to Settlers Hospital for treatment.
An eyewitness who informed the police of the incident while it was happening said the police's arrival saved Nonyathi's life because some residents were threatening to kill him. "The residents said they are sick and tired of cable theft as they have lost some money and electrical appliances due to cable theft," he said.
Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender confirmed the incident and said Nonyathi was found with Eskom cables of undisclosed value. "Bulelani Nonyathi appeared on 4 October on charges of possession of suspected stolen goods," she said. The matter has been postponed until further notice for investigation.
