The 42-year-old Morris Semata, a resident of Zamenkomste village in the Kutama area near Louis Trichardt was stabbed to death at a local tavern on the evening of June 2.

According to the police report, an argument ensued between the victim and a younger man. The situation escalated and Semata was stabbed in his chest. He died at the scene.

Two days later, the community started a hunt for the suspect by searching for him at his residence at Ha-Manavhela.

The local chief managed to intervene in time, pleading with the angry mob not to harm the suspect should they find him.

SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the incident, saying a case of murder as opened.

“The police arrested a 22-year-old suspect in connection with the case. We condemn mob justice and reiterate that disrespect for the law will not be condoned. We urge the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Instead, report all suspected criminal activities to the police.”

Phuluso Semata, the younger brother of the deceased, said the family was still trying to come to terms with the murder.

“We don’t understand how someone like Morris could just be stabbed like that. He was not the kind of person to pick a fight.”

Tendani Siepa appeared in the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court on June 6 on a charge of murder.

The case was postponed to June 19 for formal bail application, of which the outcome was not available by the time of going to press.

Semata was buried at the Zamenkomste cemetery on June 10.