LIMPOPO – Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has condemned the surge in mob justice incidents in which people suspected of crime are murdered.
Read more: Three men accused of stock theft stoned, set alight outside Lebowakgomo
This follows yet another mob justice incident, in which 68-year-old, Phakaseso Maloma from gaMaloma, Schoenoord, was killed in ga-Molepane village in the Jane Furse policing area on Friday morning, 23 August.
Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo reports that the man was accompanied by a 25-year-old man, driving a herd of eight cattle from ga-Moretsele to Monsterlus when they were confronted by a group of people accusing them of stock theft.
The group stoned the man and set him alight, burning him beyond recognition. The 25-year-old victim was only assaulted and sustained serious injuries. He was taken to the nearest hospital.
When police arrived on the scene, the group pelted stones at their vehicle, breaking a window in the process. One suspect was arrested.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the cattle did not show any brand marks and were not reported stolen. Police are investigating information that the cattle belonged to the deceased and that he requested the 25-year-old victim to assist him in driving them to a better grazing area in Monsterlus,” Ngoepe explained.
The cattle have been impounded to determine legitimate ownership and cases of murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property have been opened. More arrests are expected.
Ledwaba has since directed that those responsible for Maloma’s death be hunted down and brought to book.
Anyone with information is requested to call the crime stop number at 0860010111 or contact the nearest police station.
