The Bushbuckridge police have launched an investigation after a man was beaten to death by community members in what appears to be an act of mob justice.

The incident occurred in Masakeng Trust in Bushbuckridge at about 18:00 on Tuesday.

The Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said the victim is estimated to be in his 30s.

“At about 19:00, the SAPS was alerted about a man who was found lying near a school in the area with no sign of life. Upon arrival at the scene, the officers noticed that he had multiple injuries to his body. Paramedics declared him dead on the scene,” he said.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga High Court sentences former by-law enforcement officer

Mdhluli said preliminary investigations indicate the community may have accused the man of raping a nine-year-old girl earlier that day. However, this remains subject to police investigation, which is under way.

The SAPS is appealing to members of the public for assistance in identifying the man and locating his family. He was wearing a pair of black trousers and a blue work suit.

ALSO READ: Four people shot, three dead in Bushbuckridge

No arrests have been made at this stage. The police urge anyone with information that may assist in the case to contact the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Eurance Sibuyi, on 069 213 3294. Alternatively, they may contact the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS app.