By Regan Thaw
Anti-crime organisation PAGAD said while it did not condone vigilantism, it appreciated the frustrations of communities who felt let down by authorities.
Around four people have been killed in recent weeks in Khayelitsha at the hands of angry community members who accused them of being criminals.
This sparked fears of mob justice spreading to other crime-ridden areas.
PAGAD's Cassiem Parker said in the face of police negligence, the public was often forced to take the law into their own hands.
"When the community in that area says, we know who the perpetrators are and the police aren't even interested. When justice doesn't take its course, we're not going to stand in judgment of a community who takes it upon themselves to restore peace to their area," said Parker.
The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation said there was a perception among some people authorities ignored certain violent crimes.
The centre's David Bruce said that would explain why people resorted to vigilantism.
"If you look at something like vehicle hijacking, that's the type of thing that's been prioritized by the police. The kind of crime, including some forms of violent crimes, aren't taken seriously by the police," said Bruce.
CSVR is a multi-disciplinary institute that seeks to understand and prevent violence, heal its effects and build sustainable peace at the community, national and regional levels.
