LIMPOPO – A liquor store and surrounding buildings in Riba Cross, Tubatse were burned down on Monday by angry community members after accusing a store owner and employee of murder.
According to provincial spokesperson, Col Ronel Otto, a 47-year-old security officer was burned to death on the premises of the liqour store.
On Monday morning 01:00 it is alleged that Abram Lekoadi (deceased) and his co-worker, also a security guard, were sitting around a fire in the yard. The co-worker alleged that he was awoken by a noise and saw his colleague engulfed in flames.
“Legodi was certified dead by a member of Emergency Medical Services (EMS),” says Otto.
Angry community members gathered at the premises accusing the store owner and the other security guard of being involved in the death of Legodi.
They threatened to kill the other security guard and the police had to rescued him from the mob.
Later that day the community looted and burnt the store. A house, vehicle, second liquor store and rooms to rent were also damaged in the blaze.
Charred remains were yesterday found inside the damaged house. The identity of the victim is still not known.
The store owner and his family are safe, says Otto. The value of the damage is still not known.
A public violence case has been opened. No one has so far been arrested.
Police continue with investigations.
