Suspected Mob Justice After Charred Body Discovered in Katlehong North Informal Settlement

Katlehong – A heavy sense of sorrow envelops the Katlehong North informal settlement on the East Rand.

Scattered remnants of burnt corrugated metal and plastic signify the spot where distressed neighbors observed from afar as Forensic Pathology Services retrieved the charred remains of a man.

The lifeless body was discovered by locals beneath the scorched corrugated sheets in the Katlehong North informal settlement.

This morning, Wednesday 20 August 2025, firefighters from the Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) at Thokoza fire station rushed to the scene following distress calls from the informal settlement, where a makeshift home was ablaze.

The firefighters promptly arrived at 10:15 this morning with a Water Tanker fire engine.

Upon their arrival, they found that the flames had already been extinguished and residents had dismantled the makeshift home.

According to DEMS, the deceased, a 35-year-old man, has been identified.

However, his name is being withheld for the time being.

DEMS indicated that the fire likely occurred overnight, with emergency services being alerted only this morning.

The police are currently investigating the incident, which is reportedly linked to acts of mob justice.