Bloemfontein - Eight people have been arrested for involvement in a mob justice attack in the Makwane village, Free State police said on Saturday.
The group were arrested on Friday after allegedly beating up four boys accused of breaking into a house in the neighbourhood, said police spokesman Sergeant Mmako Mophiring.
Residents suspected the boys stole clothes during the burglary at a nearby house on Thursday.
Mophiring said three boys were severely beaten and taken to hospital. They remain under police guard.
The fourth boy was discharged from hospital and is in police custody.
He is due to appear in the Makwana Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Police did not provide the ages of the boys.
Mophiring said the eight community members were due to appear in the same court on Monday, charged with assault. - Sapa