The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has condemned incidents of mob attacks, damage to property including killings which are still prevalent in some parts of the Province with the strongest terms.
This condemnation by the Provincial Commissioner is precipitated by the incident which occurred in Kgautswane Makgwareng village in the Leboeng Police precinct outside Burgersfort this week.
It is alleged that a group of members of the community caught three men aged between 21 and 26 accused of being involved in the house robbery incidents after they were found in possession of suspected stolen items that were believed to be part of items stolen last month, October 2018 in the area.
Instead of informing the Police and hand these suspects to them, they went to the wrong side of the law by assaulting them with various objects until the trio revealed the fourth accomplice.
Afterwards, the police were summoned, reacted swiftly and apprehended the three suspects. The fourth identified suspect later handed himself at Leboeng police station and joined his accomplices.
Subsequent to these proceedings, members of the community mobilized themselves, went on rampage and burnt down the houses belonging to the suspect’s parents, two houses and a vehicle belonging to one of the suspect’s sisters.
The Police were summoned, responded immediately and managed to rescue all the victims who are currently kept at a safe pace.
The Police have opened cases of arson, malicious damage to property and public violence against the mob.
Three suspects aged between 33 and 41 were arrested and more arrests are expected. They will appear before the local magistrate court soon on these charges.
Community members are urged not to take the law in their hands and those who are still perpetrating this barbaric and irresponsible behavior will be dealt with accordingly and without compromise, concluded General Ledwaba.
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