Seven people charged with brutally assaulting a 55-year-old man they accused of stock theft are expected to appear in the Zaaiplaas Periodical Court on Thursday, Limpopo police said.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the victim was accused of stealing livestock in the Maraganeng village on July 1.
“It is alleged an urgent meeting was called at a local soccer ground by one of the livestock owners who had apparently lost his cattle.
“It is further alleged that the conveners of the meeting started identifying people they suspect of stock theft. This prompted the community members to mobilise and started searching for the identified suspects while driving in an Isuzu bakkie,” Ledwaba said.
Ledwaba said “the mob” found a 55-year-old male at his home and he was forcibly taken from his residence and transported to the soccer ground where he was interrogated about the stolen livestock.
“The mob then severely assaulted the victim until he was rescued by some of the individuals who were also involved in the attack,” he said.
In addition to the assault, the group are alleged to have torched two vehicles.
“The victim, who was severely injured, has since been discharged from the hospital,” he said.
The suspects, aged between 30 and 73, are expected to make their first appearance in the Zaaiplaas Periodical Court on Thursday.
Police are still searching for the suspects responsible for torching the two vehicles.
IOL News