The Boko Haram group has been terrorising communities of Nkowankowa, Dan, Lusaka and other neighbouring villages in Ritavi.
The gang received sentences ranging from six years to 10 years for various crimes they committed.
Read: TZANEEN: Boko Haram gang members sentenced to ten years for murder – community outraged
“The Limpopo Provincial Government would like to commend the justice system for handing down judgement on the 13 members of the vigilante group ‘Boko Haram’. They were convicted of murder and contravening the Riotous Assemblies Act by the Polokwane High Court,” said Provincial Government spokesperson, Phuti Seloba.
Read: Seven arrested for alleged ‘Boko Haram’ murder
Premier of Limpopo, Chupu Stanley Mathabatha together with Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba visited the troubled area of Nkowankowa with the purpose of restoring law and order.
They engaged with the community stakeholders on how best to resolve the Boko Haram issue and bring the situation to normality.
Read: “Boko Haram’s” reign of terror
At that moment, the Provincial Government called on law enforcement agencies, faith-based organisations and the community to work together to uproot these barbaric acts once and for all.
“We are excited that our intervention, working with the community has yielded positive results. This is a true reflection that our people have trust in the men in uniform. We would like to also take this opportunity to thank the men and women in blue for their dedication and hard work,” said Seloba. He said the local police’s recognition at the National Police Awards have indeed showed their commitment and tactics on dealing with criminal activities in the province of peace. “We hope and pray that this will serve as a lesson to those who are still committing acts of crime as well as violence to women and children,” added Seloba.
Limpopo Provincial Government urges community members to desist from criminal activities and report crime to South African Police Services. Government will not engage or negotiate with criminals, thugs and gangsters hell bent on keeping communities living in fear of one another.
