Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
SOUTH African police in the Maake area of Limpopo province are investigating a murder case following an alleged mob attack on a Zimbabwean national at Lefara Village on Tuesday afternoon.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malasela Ledwaba said the man succumbed to head injuries after being rushed to a local medical facility.
“Police were summoned to Lefara Village regarding a mob attack incident. Members immediately proceeded to the scene where they found community members gathered around an unknown male lying on the ground with serious injuries,” he said.
“An ambulance was summoned and the injured male was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Police managed to speak to the injured male, who was identified as a Zimbabwean national residing at Bridgeway Village.
“Further information suggests that the victim was assaulted by community members who accused him of stealing electric cables,” said Col Ledwaba.
He said later the same evening, the victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, where Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel certified him dead.
Col Ledwaba appealed to members of the public with information that may assist investigations to contact the investigating officer, Constable Madibeng Mahlo, on +27 82 319 9742, visit the nearest police station, call Crime Stop on +27 86 000 10111, or share information via the MySAPS App.
“Further investigations are ongoing,” he said.
In the aftermath of the incident, Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe strongly condemned acts of mob justice.
She warned that taking the law into one’s own hands is a serious criminal offence that undermines the rule of law.
Lt Gen Hadebe also urged community members to report suspected criminal activities to the police and allow law enforcement agents to deal with such matters through lawful processes.
