Another day, another life lost to mob justice in Limpopo
Community members were angered after the man allegedly gave a nine-year-old child R10 to buy sweets, before he was seen leaving with the child.
Image: Phill Magakoe
Police in Maake, under Mopani District, have opened a case of murder after a man was killed in a mob justice attack at Turkey Zone 2, next to the sports ground, on Monday evening. Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred at about 7 pm.
According to police reports, the deceased, an African male whose identity is being withheld pending investigations, was found lying naked in a stream with multiple injuries.
Preliminary information indicates that the man allegedly gave a nine-year-old child from Makgaung village R10 to buy sweets, before leaving with the child. Community members became suspicious and gave chase.
"He reportedly dropped the child and fled towards the stream, where the community pursued him. The suspect was allegedly found hiding in the stream and was assaulted with stones by the group until he succumbed to his injuries," said Ledwaba.
"Police and emergency medical services (EMS) were summoned to the scene, where the victim was certified dead."
Ledwaba confirmed that a case of murder has been opened and that a post-mortem will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
Provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Image: SAPS
Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incident, warning communities against mob justice.
“While communities have a role to play in preventing crime, mob justice is a criminal act that will never be tolerated. Suspects involved will face murder charges,” said Hadebe.
"Anyone with information about the incident has been urged to contact Detective Sergeant Mobi Montja on 079 875 7788, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, their nearest police station, or the My SAPS App."
On Tuesday, IOL reported that police in Limpopo have launched an investigation into a suspected mob justice incident after the body of a man, believed to be a Zimbabwean national, was discovered in Mooihoek, Driekop. The victim, who is thought to be in his 30s, was found with severe injuries consistent with a brutal assault.
Police responded to a report of a murder at about 6:30 am on Sunday. On arrival, they discovered the man's body with multiple injuries, believed to have been inflicted with stones and bottles. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene.
Ledwaba confirmed that the motive for the killing is still under investigation and appealed for the public’s help.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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