Police in Mount Ayliff are investigating a murder, assault, arson and malicious damage to property following a mob justice incident over a stolen sheep over the weekend.
Spokesperson Captain Raphael Motloung says it is alleged that a group of people from a nearby village searched a homestead looking for a stolen sheep.
He says during the search the group found a slaugthered sheep and its skin and interrogated the community members,
Motloung says two men admitted to stealing the animal and promised to pay for it.
The mob was not satisfied and burnt down their hut before severely assaulting both of them.
Motloung says by then SAPS arrived on the scene demanding the community to hand over the suspects.
The mob refused and police had to take the suspects by force.
Both victims were taken to hospital where one, a 27-year-old, died from his injuries.
A 70-year-old man, his 60-year-old wife and their four grandchildren who lived in the hut that was burnt were taken to a place of safety.
