POLOKWANE:The Police’ in Polokwane launched a search operation after a 25-year-old man was found dead in Polokwane (town) on Saturday, 14 October 2023 at about 15h30.
After being called to the scene, the Police’ discovered a man who had been badly assaulted in what they thought to be an act of mob justice on 15 October 2023
The police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says It is alleged that a group of students and community members chased three boys and corned one, while two managed to escape. They assaulted him and left him with serious injuries, and he succumbed to his injuries.
The motive of the incident is yet to be determined, although unconfirmed reports suggest that the victim is accused of stealing the cellphone of one of the students.
At this stage, murder cases have been opened for investigation, but no arrest has been made.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned alleged mob justice, and she urges the public to refrain from unlawful acts, including taking the law into their own hands, but to report all suspected criminal activities to the Police’ or to recognized legal structures such as the Community Police Forum (CPF).
Ledwaba says anyone with information that can assist in arresting the suspect(s) should contact Investigating Officer Sergeant Ringani Rise on 072 170 6535, crime stop number 0860010111, the nearest police station, or by sharing information on MySAPSApp.
