POLOKWANE – Limpopo SAPS say they have launched a manhunt for a group of people who are responsible for the stoning.

“It is alleged that the deceased was attacked by the community who accused him of killing a man at a liquor outlet on Friday night (19 May),” says police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe.

He says investigations into the stoning will continue but urges communities to stop taking the law into their own hands by killing suspected criminals.

“Communities should call the police instead, as required by the law,” he said.

In a separate incident, police in Hlogotlou, outside Groblesdal, have launched a manhunt for a group of people connected with the brutal mob-killing of a suspected person, who was accused of being involved in a spate of criminal activities in that area.

“This senseless attack and subsequent killing of a 31-year-old man staying at Monsterlus, Unit B, happened after the community traced him, caught him and assaulted him with various objects which eventually killed him,” explains Ngoepe.

It is alleged the deceased went to his girlfriend homestead at Monsterlus and on his arrival, he attacked his girlfriend and her younger sister by attempting to burn their faces with petrol until a friend of the girls saw the incident and screamed for help.

“The community responded in numbers, chased the deceased until they caught him and stoned him to death,” explains Ngoepe.

The deceased’s girlfriend and her younger sister were admitted to hospital for medical treatment after sustasining serious injuries.

The suspects are still unknown and no arrests have been made yet.

“We are not going to leave any stone unturned until every person involved in these two separate incidents are arrested,” Ngoepe concluded.

Anyone with information about the suspects in both incidents are urged to contact provincial Detective, LT. Colonel William Ramokhubedu at 082 499 8389, the crime stop number 0860010111 or the crime line sms 32211.

raeesak@nmgroup.co.za