Alleged criminal beaten to death

In another incident of mob violence, Tshirolwe residents beat an unknown man to death on Sunday after accusing him of theft.

Police spokesperson Const Mususumeli Maboyi of the Mphephu SAPS confirmed that a murder case had been opened after a man was apparently attacked and beaten to death by community members.

 “Police were called to a hostage situation where a large group of community members kept a man who was being accused of being a criminal. Members of the police confronted the group and tried to rescue the victim, but he was certified dead on the scene,” said Const Maboyi.

According to a community member, who did not want to have his name mentioned, the suspect was part of a group of thieves terrorising the community. They allegedly targeted shops owned by foreigners such as Somalians and Ethiopians. The thieves allegedly also broke into houses, stealing household goods. “We are tired of the anarchy caused by the thugs. They have been terrorising us for a long time,” he said.

He said the community decided to take the law into their own hands because they felt the police were not doing their job. “Our community is sick and tired of the police arresting criminals and then, within weeks, they are released.”'

During Sunday’s incident, three of the alleged robbers apparently managed to flee. Residents chased after the suspects and apprehended a man, estimated to be in his thirties. The mob then beat him to death with sticks and stones.

No arrests have been made yet, but the police said a task team was being set up to investigate the case and identify those who were involved. “Communities are warned not to take the law into their hands. Criminal activities should always be reported to the police,” said Const Maboyi.

Maboyi was very critical of the action taken by the livid residents who had participated in the mob-justice incident. “We are always discouraging the community from taking the law into their own hands. If a crime is committed, the community should call the police and let the officers do their jobs. People should take into consideration that taking the law into their own hands is a downright criminal offence.”

The police appealed to the community to come forward to identify the body.

Date:13 November 2016

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Read: 3181