Limpopo police commissioner Lt-Gen Nneke Ledwaba on Saturday condemned the ongoing spate of mob-attacks and killings in some parts of the province, particularly in the Tubatse policing cluster area outside Burgersfort.
This condemnation followed a mob-related incident in which a suspected criminal was burnt to death inside a car when a group of community members attacked three suspected criminals, allegedly before they could rob a local shop, Lt-Col Moatshe Ngoepe said.
The other suspects managed to escape, leaving their two cars behind, which were then also burnt.
"It is alleged that the deceased was driving one of these cars with his two accomplices and the other two unknown suspects driving a VVT Toyota were on the way to Ga-Mokgotho village to commit a business robbery. The local community got information before the crime could be committed and attacked them."
The dead man was 29 years old man and from the ga-Mashamothane village near Burgersfort. However, forensic investigations were still underway to confirm his identity. His accomplices who fled were unknown, Ngoepe said.
A case of murder and two counts of malicious damage to property were opened. The suspects involved in this matter were unknown and no arrest had yet been made. Police investigations were continuing.
Anyone with information which could lead to the arrest of the people involved in the mob-attack incident should contact Captain Richard Boshomane at 079-894-5501, or the Crime Stop Number 08600-10111, the Crime Line SMS 32211, or the nearest police station, Ngoepe said.
Ledwaba warned community members to "stop this unbearable behaviour because it continues to destroy the spirit of community policing which cannot be tolerated by the law of this country". The perpetrators would be dealt with "mercilessly and without compromise", Ledwaba said.
- African News Agency (ANA)
