A MURDER case is under investigation after residents of Browns Farm, Philippi allegedly took matters into their own hands and killed a 25-year-old known criminal.

It is alleged that the man was in the act of committing a robbery when he was caught and allegedly attacked and then set alight by a group of residents.

The man’s body was later found on Monday morning around 7am in Sakhwatsha Street around 7am.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a murder case is under investigation with no arrests made as yet.

Twigg confirmed: “Nyanga police registered a murder case for investigation after the body of a 25-year-old male was found on Monday morning, 12 January 2026, at about 7am, in Sakhwatsha Street, Browns Farm. 

“Police members attended the crime scene where they found the victim who was burnt and had multiple injuries. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.”

Ward councillor Melikhaya Gadeni said that he condemns the murder however the act by residents speaks to the flaws of policing within the community as residents do not have any trust in the South African Police Service.

Gadeni explained: “I am aware of the incident and as a councillor I do not support vigilantism, we condemn the act. We do have SAPS as well as Law Enforcement agencies to deal with any transgressors, but this speaks to a lot of issues that pertain to policing within Browns Farm.

“The fact that people have resorted to taking the law into their own hands speaks to the failures of policing in our area, as a result we have always advocated for more police deployment in Brown Farms to deal with the amount of crime we are currently facing.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais sympathised with communities terrorised by criminals, but condemned the lynching. 

“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the incident that took place in Sakhwatsha Street in Browns Farm, Philippi, where a man was allegedly attacked and set alight by members of the community in what appears to be an act of vigilantism.

“I fully understand the deep frustration felt by residents who live daily under the shadow of crime. Too often, justice is delayed or, in the most painful cases, never arrives. This reality fuels anger, fear and a sense of hopelessness among communities who simply want to live in safety and dignity.

“However, it is deeply concerning and completely unacceptable when, out of this frustration, community members take the law into their own hands. While the anger may be understandable, vigilantism cannot and will never be justified. Such actions are criminal, further endanger innocent lives, and place residents, who should be protected by the law, in direct conflict with it.

“Vigilantism also has a direct and damaging impact on the work of the South African Police Service. It undermines the justice system, destroys potential evidence, intimidates witnesses, and diverts already limited investigative resources away from identifying, arresting and successfully prosecuting the real perpetrators of crime. In doing so, it perpetuates cycles of violence rather than bringing lasting safety to communities.

“I strongly condemn all forms of vigilantism. It erodes trust in the rule of law and weakens the very systems that exist to protect communities.

“I urge all residents to report suspicious or criminal activity to the authorities and to make use of the available channels for anonymous reporting. Communities play a vital role in helping the police prevent crime, identify perpetrators and secure convictions by providing information and cooperating with investigations.

“Anyone with information related to this or any other criminal activity is encouraged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, make use of the MySAPS mobile application, or call the City of Cape Town’s tip-off line on 0800 110 077. All information shared will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

“We remain committed to working closely with our communities and law-enforcement partners to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for acts of violence are brought before the courts.”