6 sentenced to life for mob justice killings in Maake
Limpopo police have welcomed the life sentences handed to six men convicted of murdering two victims in a mob justice incident near Tzaneen.
POLOKWANE – Six accused have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Polokwane High Court for the murders of two men in a mob justice attack in the Maake policing area.
According to Limpopo police, Maseabi Godfrey Senyolo (46), Thabiso Senyolo (39), Elmon Shai (32), Mmoye Freddy Senyolo (42), Isiah Melanzi (40) and Tjatji William Gafane (43) were convicted on two counts of murder and two counts of kidnapping.
Each accused received two life sentences for murder and an additional five years’ imprisonment for kidnapping. The court also declared them unfit to possess firearms.
Police said the incident took place on August 23, 2023 in Bokgaga Serare and Tsidingo villages outside Tzaneen.
The court heard that the victims, Tantane Paulus Mangena (49) and Tshepo Conrates Malatjie (34), were allegedly accused of theft before they were taken from their homes and assaulted at the All-Star sports ground.
They were later taken to Mokgoloboto Mountain, where they were assaulted further before petrol was allegedly poured over them and they were set alight.
The victims died at the scene.
Police investigations led to the arrest of the six accused, who remained in custody after bail was opposed.
The investigation was led by Capt Alfred Hopane of the Maake Detective Unit.
Limpopo provincial commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer for his work on the case.
“This sentence sends a clear message that mob justice and acts of brutality will not be tolerated.
“Communities are urged to report criminal activities to the police and allow the law to take its course,” said Hadebe.
