A mob allegedly killed an 18-year-old man after he was accused of taking pictures of the group who were reportedly in search of suspects in Amaoti, KwaZulu-Natal.

Security service Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said that a mob of around 80 men armed with pangas, golf clubs, traditional weapons, and firearms were looking for suspects who were alleged to be in a series of killings and robberies in the neighbourhood.

"They also allegedly set alight two homes belonging to gangsters. Rusa received a call for medical assistance for an 18-year-old man who individuals within the mob had shot. Reaction officers and Rusa paramedics were immediately dispatched and arrived on scene at approximately 12pm," said the organisation.

The young man's body was found in his yard. He had been shot in the body and head.

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"He showed no signs of life and was declared deceased. His elder brother is also believed to have been shot and hacked with a panga. He fled and cannot be located."

The boy's family told Rusa that the brothers had been sitting in the yard when the mob was passing. The group allegedly accused the siblings of taking pictures of them.

"They began assaulting them and the teenager died."

In February, Premier Thami Ntuli said a new crime trend has been noted that involves the hacking, shooting, and setting of suspected criminals on fire.

"This is an unfortunate development which is indicative of the resurgence of mob justice culture. This, if not addressed, will result in lawlessness and more senseless killings," he said.

IOL