Community members from Lethabong settlement, near Klerksdorp, forcibly detained, assaulted and robbed three men they had mistaken for kidnappers.

• Three fibre network employees were violently attacked, robbed and unlawfully detained by residents in Lethabong.
• The community had mistaken them for child kidnappers because they were taking photographs for their work.
• A 29-year-old was arrested on multiple charges, including public violence, kidnapping and assault. 

One person was arrested after North West residents attacked fibre company employees whom they had mistaken for child kidnappers.

The incident occurred on Friday, after members of the Lethabong settlement, near Klerksdorp, forcibly detained, assaulted and robbed three men who were working on the fibre network.

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Then, in front of the Lethabong police station, the community torched the company vehicle, a Suzuki Swift, which the employees had been driving.

News24 understands the police station was stoned during the attack.

According to North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh, the community grew suspicious when they saw the fibre installers taking photographs. It led to a rumour that they were there to photograph children as part of a kidnapping syndicate.

Myburgh said two of the victims sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital.

“It is further alleged that the victims were forcibly detained by community members… the victims were also robbed of their belongings,” she said.

While police cannot rule out other arrests, a 29-year-old suspect was arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.

Acting provincial police commissioner, Major-General Ryno Naidoo, urged community members to address grievances through lawful channels and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

He condemned all acts of violence, vigilantism and criminal conduct.

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A case of public violence, attack on police, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, malicious damage to property, and robbery with a weapon other than a firearm has been opened.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.