Mob justice, the practice of the mob taking the law in their own hands and passing judgment, usually a sentence of death on the accused is becoming more common. You would be very lucky to survive and live to tell your tale once this happens to you.

It is difficult tell whether the victims of mob justice (in pictures) were guilty or innocent, because they never got a chance to have their version of events heard by a non-partisan crowd nor did they receive fair representation.

They were probably innocent but were accused or suspected of practising witchcraft, robbing a neighbour’s chicken, stealing, armed robbery. This is judgment is often out of the appearance of the person, what they said to their neighbour, how they walk and most significantly how they react once the mob starts descending on them.

If you decide to stay and explain to the crowd your innocence, a few slaps, kicks and blood will already be coming of your nose and mouth before they would listen to what you have to say. If you run, they will pick up anything they can get their hands on (stones, sticks, rocks) and give chase while shouting the more “thief!”

This word gets everybody on alert and sort of gives leeway to anyone to attack and kill you. The killer would be a hero for stopping a thief from getting away!

Mob justice is bound to become more commonly practised when people lose trust in their leaders, police and the justice system. Worse is when a judge comes to admit that indeed people have no faith in courts anymore.