Mob justice, robbery suspect stoned to death, Lichtenburg

South African Police Service

Mob justice, robbery suspect stoned to death, Lichtenburg
Mob justice, robbery suspect stoned to death, Lichtenburg

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane condemned in the strongest possible terms the mob justice incident which took place in Bakerville outside Lichtenburg on 4 November 2019.

It is alleged that the police received a business robbery complaint at about 07:45 at one of the tuck shops at Bakerville. According to information received, the victim had just opened the tuck shop when unknown and unconfirmed number of suspects confronted him. The suspects allegedly robbed the victim of an undisclosed amount of cash and cellphones before fleeing the scene in a white Toyota Corolla.

A chase ensued after members of the community responded when they heard the victim screaming for help. It is alleged that one of the suspects who was in one of the getaway cars that was parked not far from the scene, was apprehended, stoned to death and allegedly burnt by members of the community. The incident was also captured and thereafter circulated through social media platforms.

Upon response, the police were confronted by violent members of the community who in the process allegedly burnt the suspects’ vehicle. The police later managed to arrest two of the suspects, aged 37 and 46. A search for the other suspects continues.

A separate case of murder has been opened for investigation and no one has been arrested.

The Provincial Commissioner sternly warned that taking the law into one’s own hands is unlawful and will not be tolerated. “The public must understand and accept that while we need their support in the fight against crime, the rule of law must always be applied and obeyed. Taking someone’s life is a criminal act and punishable by law. The incident of mob justice which occurred today in Bakerville cannot be allowed and will eventually land those who are responsible into trouble with the law. We plead with the public to work with legally established structures such as Community Police Forum (CPF) in the fight against crime,” said Lieutenant General Motswenyane.

She further urged the public to use social media platforms responsibly.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service