A gruesome crime unfolded in Johannesburg over the long weekend, as a vigilante mob took the law into their own hands in the most violent way imaginable. A man suspected of being involved in a gang rape on Saturday was castrated before being killed by irate community members.

The incident took place in Ivory Park, at an informal settlement. It is understood two girls were walking home when a group of three men accosted them, brandishing knives and firearms before committing their heinous crime. EWN understands that the rapes happened “repeatedly”.

However, when they were spotted by an eyewitness, several angered Ivory Park residents immediately stormed towards the scene and gave chase to the rapists. Two of the group escaped, but one unfortunate suspect ended up on the wrong end of some gratuitously rough justice.

The victims of the rape were aged 14 and 18 respectively. That’s according to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Lungelo Dlamini, who confirmed the attack had taken place on Sunday. SAPS aren’t exactly best-pleased with the way locals decided to handle the situation and have issued a warning for all South Africans to avoid taking part in vigilanteism:

The SA Police Service have warned members of the community against taking the law into their own hands after a rape suspect was fatally assaulted in #IvoryPark, east of #Johannesburg this weekend.

Meanwhile,t the local authorities have since opened up two separate cases on the matter. As well as the initial rape incident, a murder investigation will also take place.