Provincial commissioner orders intesnive investigations into vigilante murders

Makhushoaneng

The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has ordered that intensive investigations into the brutal killings of two men, who were allegedly attacked by a mob during a vigilante incident that took place at Makhushoaneng Village outside Magatle last week Wednesday, be immediately embarked upon.

The duo was attacked and stoned to death in the morning after the villagers accused them of stock theft. The victims were identified as Tshepo Kekana (23) from Ga-Rakgoatha Village and Oscar Tswai (50) from Bolahlakgomo Village.

Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, said police were alerted about the incident at about 09h00 and rushed to the scene.

“On arrival, they found two men lying on the ground with severe injuries. The angry mob then turned on the police, damaging their two motor vehicles. Another motor vehicle believed to be belonging to the deceased was also found torched. Reinforcements were also summoned and the situation was then quelled. Paramedics were called and on arrival they certified the two victims dead,” explained Mojapelo.

He added that preliminary investigations indicate that the two victims were found transporting a goat and the community started accusing them of stealing livestock in the area.

Commissioner Hadebe has sent a stern warning to the community and urged them to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

“l strongly warn perpetrators of these gruesome murders that the police will be relentless in hunting them down and bringing them to book. Communities are urged to inform the police if they have information on crime and desist from taking the law into their own hands,” she said.

Hadebe said acts of damaging police motor vehicles will put more strain to the limited resources that are destined to provide service to the community. “Whoever is responsible, will face the full might of the law,” she said.

The police appeal to anyone with information that can assist to arrest the suspects to contact Detective Warrant Officer Kedibone Matamela on 082 565 8517, the Crime Stop Number on 08600 10111, or nearest police station or through the My SAPSApp.