WATCH: Community Takes Action Against Alleged Cellphone Thief in Central Durban

Durban, South Africa - August 19, 2025 - In central Durban, an individual accused of stealing a cellphone was apprehended by local residents after being caught in the act.

Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating on social media depict a crowd surrounding the suspect.

The community members dragged and physically assaulted the man, subjecting him to what has been described as mob justice. Multiple people participated in pulling, kicking, and hitting the suspect as he attempted to resist.

Residents united in their response to the alleged theft, with the crowd growing as the confrontation escalated. The event highlights ongoing concerns about petty crime in urban areas and community-led interventions in the absence of immediate police presence.

In South Africa, committing crimes in areas where mob justice prevails carries severe risks for suspects, including humiliation, beatings, and summary executions. Research shows that at least two people die daily from mob violence or vigilante attacks. These incidents often target innocent individuals and violate human rights through extra-legal punishments.

Details regarding the suspect's identity, the victim's status, or any subsequent arrests remain unconfirmed at this time. The incident occurred on August 18, 2025, and has sparked discussions online about vigilante actions in South Africa.