The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the mob attack (vigilantism) incidents that continue to take place in the Province. The condemnation comes after two males were attacked by angry community members on Saturday, 19 August 2023 at around 19h00 at Hanani village in Vuwani.
It is alleged that the Police were informed about the incident in which community members cornered two men, accused of copper cable theft in the area, at a local tavern. They dragged them to a soccer field and assaulted them with various objects.
On arrival with Emergency Personnel, the Police found the victims severely injured. The men were taken to the local hospital for medical treatment. One victim, Ramathuthu Thivhilaeli aged 52, succumbed to his injuries on arrival at the hospital while the second victim is still hospitalised.
“Community members are urged to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. This result in people being killed and that makes them (community) perpetrators of crime, and they will definitely be arrested. Criminals should be reported to the Police, as police have the authority and skills to investigate and arrest the suspects,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects involved im this vigilante attack, should contact Detective Sergeant Agnes Meregi on 082 755 6895 or Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or the nearest Police Station or MySAPS App.
The Police investigations are still continuing.