Eight arrested after violent mob murders two men
"According to preliminary police investigations, the brutal attacks followed an incident that occurred last year on June 13, when a 23-year-old man, Peter "Mapito" Phahlamohlaka, allegedly disappeared while fishing in the Olifants River (Lepelle) with the two brothers," said provincial spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo.
SEKHUKHUNE – Two brothers were stoned to death at Letebejane Village during an apparent mob justice incident.
The two, Lukas and Willem Seloma, were accused of having played a part in the disappearance of a man last year.
“According to preliminary police investigations, the brutal attacks followed an incident that occurred last year on June 13, when a 23-year-old man, Peter “Mapito” Phahlamohlaka, allegedly disappeared while fishing in the Olifants River (Lepelle) with the two brothers,” said provincial spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo.
He said police were notified at the time, but a search yielded no leads. A missing person’s case was opened.
Desperate to find answers, community members mobilised and attacked the brothers at their homes on January 13, but police intervened. A case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was opened.
Mojapelo said the community gathered again and went on a rampage last Thursday, demanding the brothers reveal the whereabouts of Phahlamohlaka.
“The unrest continued until Monday night, when community members allegedly dragged the brothers to a nearby mountain and stoned them to death,” he said.
“On arrival at the scene, police made the gruesome discovery of the two bodies covered with tree branches. They apparently wanted to burn them. The crowd had dispersed,” said Mojapelo.
The Limpopo SAPS have since arrested eight suspects in connection with the murder. They are aged between 19 and 44, and were scheduled to appear in the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder and public violence yesterday.
