Six suspects were arrested by the Tubatse SAPS yesterday for allegedly assaulting Mochesto Makhubela and burning his house down in Ga Motodi, outside Burgersfort in Limpopo.

The incident happened last Friday.

According to a community member, who chose to remain anonymous, locals gathered in the community on September 7, following several deaths in which people were allegedly poisoned.

“Makhubela was the main suspect at the meeting. The angry mob went to his house and beat him up, but he escaped. They then burnt down his two-room house.

“We have had incidents [since the beginning of the year] where people were allegedly poisoned at local taverns and shebeens,” the source says.

Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says an investigation is underway. It is not yet clear when the suspects will appear in court.

This is not the first mob justice incident in the village. In March 2021, Nthabeleng Sebopela was attacked by a mob after being accused of stealing plasma TVs. Four men were arrested following the incident.

At the time, former Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said: “We encourage members of the public to assist us in the fight against crime. They must always remember that suspects apprehended for any crimes should be surrendered to the police. Please desist from taking the law into your own hands, as those who choose to break the law and engage in mob justice will be arrested and dealt with effectively.”