The Provincial Commissioner of Police’ in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, strongly condemns the recent incident of mob justice that resulted in the loss of one life and the torching of two vehicles.
On Tuesday 05 September 2023, the disturbing incident unfolded at Mafefe-Maredi Village in Malipisdrift Policing area near Lebowakgomo, when a mob took the law into their own hands, in which one male person was brutally killed and two vehicles set alight.
The attack emanates after a group of suspects, driving in two motor vehicles, allegedly committed a robbery at a local shop in the nearby village of gaMampa where they made off with undisclosed amount of cash, cigarettes, Plasma TV and groceries.
According to the information, the mob spotted one of the vehicles, a Corsa light delivery vehicle and cornered the suspects who abandoned their vehicle and ran towards the mountain side. One suspect was caught and hacked to death with a sharp object. The vehicle was also set alight.
The raging mob continued looking for the suspects driving in a Nissan Almera. They eventually spotted the vehicle and the occupants managed to escape but their vehicle was torched as well.
Upon arrival, Police’ found that the crowd had already dispersed and the 35-year-old deceased had sustained multiple injuries. Police have opened a case of business robbery, murder and two counts of malicious damage to property.
The identity of the deceased will be revealed in due course.
“The incident is a stark reminder that vigilantism and mob justice have no place in our society. The rule of law and the justice system exist to ensure that those who commit crimes are held accountable in a fair and legal manner.
We have dedicated professionals who are trained to investigate and address criminal activities. We call upon the community to come forward with information about suspects involved in both incidents of robbery and mob justice,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Anyone with information can contact Captain Lerumo Matabane on 082 414 3345 or Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest Police Station or use MySAPS App .