Residents celebrate the death of feared alleged gangster
Residents sang as his body was collected by pathologists
It’s not often people celebrate death. In most communities, people mourn when death occurs. But people from Praktiseer outside Burgersfort celebrated the death of Kabelo Phoku.
KB, as he was known, was allegedly killed by a mob on Friday morning, September 22, at Praktiseer (Shushumela, Mabitleng).
Locals alleged that Phoku led a gang in Tubatse which committed crimes such as robberies and attempted murders. He was allegedly caught in the act, robbing a resident at about 04:30.
“He stabbed a man who was heading to work with a knife. The victim fought back while a mob came to rescue him. They allegedly killed Phoku,” said a source from the township.
Photos of the once-feared man circulated on social media shortly after his death.
Dressed in a white T-shirt and a black jacket, the pictures showed his bloodied body next to a street. In one of the photos, a broken bottle is seen next to his bloodied head.
This publication was on the scene when Lebowakgomo pathologists collected his body.
Community members sang, whistled, chanted and ululated as his lifeless body was loaded into the vehicle.
“Although death is not something to be celebrated, I don’t blame the people who are rejoicing today. This man stabbed and robbed so many people in Ga Motodi, Praktiseer, Bothashoek and nearby villages. He was a feared,” said an elderly man at the scene.
A villager, who preferred anonymity, said they felt relieved and hoped that his death will result in the gang disbanding and allow them to live in peace and harmony.
Limpopo SAPS spokesman, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said investigations are being conducted into the murder. He promised to provide much information on the incident at a later stage.
