A 32-year-old man has died in an alleged mob justice attack in Kgaphamadi village, outside Groblersdal, prompting Limpopo police to warn communities not to take the law into their own hands.
The killing came after four men reportedly held a shopkeeper hostage on Wednesday and stabbed him in the neck and feet. They also ransacked the store. A young child witnessed the incident and alerted villagers, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said on Thursday.
“The community managed to apprehend two men at the shop, while the other two managed to escape. It is alleged that the two were severely assaulted by the community until they were rescued by the police.”
A 32-year-old man, identified as Tummi Mmotong, was taken to hospital but died from his injuries.
Mulaudzi said a meeting was called by the police with community members to condemn this kind of behaviour.
“Problems should be directed to the police. We had to open a murder docket because we have to follow the letter of the law,” he said.
“We are expecting to make some arrests regarding the death, but it will be difficult because in situations like these, people are reluctant to talk.” - Sapa