POLOKWANE – Police in Mankweng, outside Polokwane, have arrested five suspects involved in the torching of four houses on Tuesday, 9 October, in the ga-Molepo area, Mankgaile village.
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According to police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngeope, the arrest of the five suspects follows the discovery of a murdered man at a local tavern in the Mankgaile village on Sunday, 7 October.
“While police were busy with their investigations, residents mobilised themselves and cornered the four alleged suspects.Police were notified and had to rescue the suspects from the raging mob,” he explained.
The suspects, who were arrested and charged with murder, appeared on Tuesday, 9 October but the cases against them were withdrawn and they were released.
“Residents then mobilised themselves again and torched four houses belonging to the parents of these suspects and no injuries or fatalities were reported,” he said.
The suspects will appear before the Mankweng Magistrates Court tomorrow, 11 October, to face five counts of arson.
Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, has condemned these “barbaric acts” by the suspects and warned that lawlessness will not be tolerated in Limpopo.
“Those who are still perpetrating mob attacks and killings will be dealt with accordingly and without compromise,” concluded General Ledwaba.
