Two robbery suspects killed by angry Thohoyandou mob

On Sunday, 23 June, around 17:20, two robbers severely underestimated the resolve of the Thohoyandou Block F community. The outcome was the death of both suspects in what appears to be a case of mob justice.

The Thohoyandou area has increasingly become a target for armed robberies, with places such as Block F, home to many Indian families, being viewed as vulnerable by criminals. However, residents are no longer passively accepting this situation, and criminals have faced setbacks in recent months.

Local residents were reluctant to discuss Sunday’s incident openly. According to information gathered by the Limpopo Mirror, the suspects were apprehended during an attempted robbery of a local family. The commotion attracted other community members, who intervened. In the ensuing struggle, enraged residents attacked the robbers, using whatever they could find.

The police arrived and transported the two seriously injured suspects to the hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.

A resident who preferred not to be named for security reasons remarked on the community’s unprecedented anger and expressed the view that the punishment was fitting for the robbers. “Our neighbourhood is under siege. We constantly hear about violent incidents - robberies, kidnappings, and even killings. We’re fed up with crime here, and it’s no surprise to see people resorting to such extremes. What we need is peace, achievable only if the police collaborate closely with the community. Otherwise, scenes like this will keep repeating,” the source said.

Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident, stating that murder cases had been opened in connection with the incident. He explained that the community had caught the suspects in the act of robbing a house in the township.

“Community members assaulted and seriously injured them. They were rushed to the local hospital, where one died upon arrival and the other, identified as Mulalo Maambele from Malavuwe village, passed away during treatment. The identities of the suspects are still unknown, and they remain at large,” he added.

Anyone with information that could aid in the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact Investigating Officer Const Rendani Tshavhungwe at 072 189 2544 or 015 960 1000.

Date:28 June 2024

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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