UPDATE: Mob killing deceased identified
The unknown suspected robber who was assaulted severely and burnt to death by community members of Songwane village next to Mahwibidung village has been identified.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said, the deceased has been identified as 29 year-old Thapelo Walter Maphanga from Mablejan village in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province.
It is alleged the deceased together with his two armed accomplices attacked a local shop, pointed everybody with firearms, demanded money and during that process, the shop owner screamed calling for help from community members who ultimately responded in a large number. They then caught the deceased and burnt him to death.
“There is no arrest at this stage but police investigations are still continuing,’ said Ngoepe.
He added that the South African Police Services (SAPS) would like to reiterate their call on the condemnation of mob attacks and killings by members of the communities on suspected persons of criminal activities.
”Community members may arrest a suspected person, call the police or take him\her to the police station for her\him to appear before the court of law,” he said.
