One dies, four injured in three cases of mob justice

Provincial Police Commissioner Nneke Ledwaba has condemned the recurring incidents of mob attacks and killings that are still prevalent in some parts of Limpopo.
This follows an incident in Disteneng on Saturday when a 17-year-old boy who had allegedly stabbed his mother with a knife was reportedly apprehended and killed by a mob.
According to Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe eight suspects arrested in connection with the death of the boy were expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was allegedly attacking his mother with a sharp instrument when community members responding to rescue the woman allegedly grabbed the boy and assaulted him with various objects whereafter he succumbed to his injuries.
Meanwhile, Police are investigating a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after a man accused of attempted housebreaking was allegedly attacked by residents of Siloam early Saturday morning.
Ngoepe stated that community members reportedly mobilised and started assaulting the suspected burglar. Police were called to the scene and rescued the man who will appear in court on a charge of attempted burglary as soon as he recovers from his injuries.
In a third incident three suspected stock thieves travelling in a van with trailer carrying eight cattle were stopped by community members at Apel Cross, Masemola on Monday evening. The suspects were reportedly assaulted and threatened that they would be set alight.
A Police patrol vehicle arrived on the scene in time to rescue the three and take them to hospital. One is still in critical condition, according to Ngoepe. The origin of the cattle could not be established yet.

Story: RC Myburgh
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