POLOKWANE – Two men aged 20 and 27 were subjected to mob justice after they were caught robbing a woman at the Westenburg bridge in the city last Thursday.
According to an anonymous witness, the woman was walking towards Westenburg from town when the incident happened.
“The woman mentioned that the two suspects had followed her from town and robbed her as she reached the bridge. Several passersby were alerted by the incident and they caught and beat the two suspects,” he recounted.
He further said the people who attacked the two suspects made it clear during the attack that they won’t allow “lazy people to steal from them”.
He said that several residents in the area are “gatvol” and will deal with anyone who tries to make their lives miserable.
“We cannot sit back and relax while nyaope boys do as they please. They need to be taught a lesson so they can start behaving like normal people,” said another resident who wanted to remain anonymous.
The two suspects, Lebogang Mamabolo (20) and Collin Mathole (27), were arrested by Westenburg police and appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of robbery.
Westenburg Police Spokesperson, Capt Mohlaka Mashiane, confirmed the incident and explained that the duo were released on a warning but they are expected back in court on 2 August.
“The suspects were beaten by the community but the police managed to contain the situation.
“We plead with the communities to not take justice into their own hands but to notify the police,” Mashiane said.
He explained that they condemn mob justice and anyone found guilty of the act will be arrested.
He urged the community to rather work closely with the police and their community policing forums (CPF) to halt crime and so criminals can be brought to book.
endy@nmgroup.co.za
