A man has died after falling victim to mob justice. The man was suspected of housebreaking in Extension 7, Ikageng, in the early hours of Friday, 1 May.
According to Sgt Kelebogile Trom, the 60-year-old home-owner alleged that he was at his parents’ home at the time of the housebreaking. His neighbours informed him that someone might have broken into his home as the lights were on. “He then went to his place and found the community members in his yard and the suspect sitting at the door,” said Trom.
The 60-year-old man’s washing machine had been removed and his fridge and freezer were missing.
The value of the stolen property is estimated at R11,500.
The owner left the alleged suspect with the community members while he went to report a case of housebreaking and theft. He and the police returned to his home for further investigations.
“When the police arrived at the scene, the suspect was lying on the ground after allegedly being assaulted by unknown community members.
“The suspect was bleeding and had bruises all over his body,” she stated.
While the police officers waited for the ambulance, the situation became tense and they felt their lives were being threatened. The officers then put the victim into the police van and transported him to Potchefstroom Hospital, where he was declared dead.
While the deceased has not yet been identified, a murder case has been opened and the investigation is underway.
