LIMPOPO – No matter how often the police implore with residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, the once law-abiding residents of Eisleben village in Botlokwa have vowed to “deal harshly with criminals”.
This was reiterated during an incident of mob justice early last week as residents bludgeoned to death a suspected rapist and murderer.
Last Tuesday, the dust would not settle as residents went on the rampage and stoned a man to death.
Matome Mahasahasane (32), was killed by a raging mob in the most gruesome manner.
The deceased was accused of raping and killing his 100-year-old grandmother, Mampe Monyai.
According to the police, the centenarian was found dead on her bed, with blood splattered all over her bedroom.
Police say they suspect Mahasahasane raped Monyai before murdering her.
It is understood that after committing the alleged crimes, Mahasahasane tried to flee from Eisleben, but was subsequently captured in Mokomene village by taxi operators who beat him to a pulp before handing him over to a raging mob in Eisleben.
Spokesperson for the Morebene Police, WO Mankgabe Ncha confirmed: “We found the old woman (Monyai) with a bloody wound to her forehead.
“We can confirm that she was murdered, but we have not established a motive. We are investigating the case.”
Ncha confirmed that before his death, Mahasahasane had been arrested several times.