The number of people killed in mob justice or vigilantism are increasing in Limpopo’s Vhembe district, police said on Tuesday.
This after unknown man was assaulted and killed allegedly by a mob as residents reacts to alleged criminals.
Police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said a suspected thief was caught and killed at Mpheni village near Louis Trichardt on Tuesday.
“Today’s [Tuesday’s] mob killing followed four of the incidents which happened recently at Hlanganani, Thohoyandou, Mahwelereng and Siloam,” Ngoepe said.
In all this incidents, the suspected people are assaulted or killed where in Siloam a Police van was even burnt to ashes.”
Provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba called members of the community to stop taking law into their own hands.
He reiterated condemnation on the escalation of incidents of mob attacks and killings in this province.
The victim suspected to be on his 30’s was assaulted and killed by a group of community members accusing him of criminal acts.
“The general is therefore advising and encouraging all community members to inform the police about any criminal activities in their areas,” Ngoepe said.
He said by taking law into their own hands will see reactors charged becomes criminals.
“We are looking for those who did that for their illegal actions which will affect and damage police community relations. This tendency must stop indefinitely.”
Ngoepe said the office of the provincial commissioner will be take a tour to engage all traditional leaders in the province to develop strategies that could help to prevent mob justice.
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