The death toll of people killed in a vigilante attack in Thembisa on Sunday has risen to six. The deceased were attacked by a frustrated mob for allegedly terrorising them and being involved in housebreakings, muggings and rape in the area.

Residents who refused to be named fearing victimisation claimed that the deceased were beaten up throughout Sunday night after the community gathered and went to their homes one by one, beating them up to reveal all their members.

Family members of the deceased said they were in pain because they had to sit for hours with dead bodies waiting for forensic pathologists. A mother who was distraught said her son had been visiting so she doesn't understand why she got dragged into the deadly situation. "Someone called to tell me that my son had died and was beaten by the community. I last saw him around 4pm when he came to ask for money for to go create his CVs. After that he went to sleepover at a friend's home and that's where they found the both of them. My son is dead, and his friend is currently in hospital. He doesn't even stay here he only came to visit and this was his second week visiting, I'm truly at a loss for words,"said the distraught mother.

The police's Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said that no arrest had been made in the alleged act of vigilantism. "The circumstances are unknown, and no one has been arrested as yet. A case of murder with five counts has been opened for further investigation. The public is urged not to take the law into their own hands as this also constitutes a crime."