An angry mob pelted police with stones when they tried to rescue three suspected burglars the crowd was assaulting.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Alwin Labans said the incident took place in Greenfields, Bethelsdorp, at about 10.30am yesterday when a mob of about 100 residents beat the men, claiming that they had been involved in a burglary in the area.
“The police were called and managed to rescue the three men who were being assaulted,” Labans said.
“Residents started throwing stones at police and additional reinforcements were sent to assist with crowd control.
“However, once the police withdrew from the area with the three men, the mob dispersed.”
Labans said the three men could not be tied to any crime.
“Only one suspect, a 22-yearold, was taken to hospital for treatment,” he said.
“They declined to open a case.”