A 23-YEAR-OLD man who received treatment at the Dilokong Hospital in Burgersfort after he was the victim of mob justice escaped custody but was swiftly rearrested with the assistance of residents of Tuesday
Speaking on behalf of the Burgersfort police, Col Rodgers Rikhotso said the man was rescued by the police after he had been badly injured by a mob of angry residents.
He said the man was taken into custody in connection with burglary and theft cases.
According to Rikhotso, the suspect told the police official who was guarding him that he experienced severe stomach cramps and needed to go to the bathroom.
“The police removed the suspect’s handcuffs so that he could perform his ablutions, but the suspect fled on foot.
“With the help of the community, he was rearrested shortly thereafter at his home just 5km away from Burgersfort,” Rikhotso said, adding that the suspect would now face charges of housebreaking, theft and escape from police custody.
“We have also opened a case of negligence against our member who was guarding the suspect.
“He will appear in court soon,” Rikhotso concluded.
