Dumisani Mahlangu, aged 29, shares a chilling account of his ordeal in Mpumalanga, where he suffered the unimaginable horror of having both his hands severed. The gruesome incident unfolded in Kwa-Guqa, Emalahleni, after Mahlangu was accused of theft from a local church.

Despite acknowledging his past involvement in theft and drug use, Mahlangu vehemently denies any connection to the recent crime that led to his brutal punishment.

According to Mahlangu’s testimony, he was subjected to a savage attack by a local pastor, Apostle Solomon Mhlanga, aged 58, allegedly assisted by his son Enoch, aged 20, and a group of armed men. They accused Mahlangu of theft, culminating in the horrifying act of severing both his hands as punishment.

The heinous nature of the attack has shocked the community, prompting widespread condemnation from Mahlangu’s family and members of the public. Mahlangu’s father, Johannes, expressed disbelief at the actions of a man of the cloth, questioning how a pastor could commit such a barbaric act.

Despite Mahlangu’s troubled history, his family asserts that he did not deserve such a cruel and irreversible fate, lamenting the profound impact it will have on his future prospects and quality of life.

This tragic incident sheds light on the complex challenges facing communities in Mpumalanga, particularly in relation to drug-related crimes and vigilantism. The Community Policing Forum (CPF) has highlighted the prevalence of theft driven by the need for drug funding, exacerbating tensions within the community.

Instances of vigilante justice, such as Mahlangu’s ordeal, underscore the dangers of mob violence and the urgent need for effective law enforcement interventions.

Statistics reveal a disturbing trend of mob justice incidents, with a staggering toll of 2,124 deaths recorded in the past financial year alone.

As calls for community engagement and police intervention grow louder, Mahlangu’s case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding issues of justice, poverty, and vigilantism in South Africa’s societal landscape.

Amidst the outcry and demands for accountability, Mahlangu’s plight stands as a symbol of the profound human cost of unchecked violence and the urgent need for systemic change to address the root causes of such atrocities.

As the wheels of justice turn, his story serves as a sobering reminder of the imperative to strive for a society where every individual’s rights and dignity are respected and protected.