Mob burns suspected rapist to death outside Makhado, Limpopo
Another man and accomplice to the deceased, was rescued by the police and taken to hospital
LIMPOPO – The Police in Mphephu outside Makhado are investigating cases of rape, house breaking, murder and attempted murder after two men were assaulted, one of them burnt to death, during a mob justice incident at Mawoni Village this morning, Tuesday, 30 March.
This incident emanated from the earlier rape of two sisters, aged 39 and 29, in their parental house in the same village. They were also robbed of three cell phones and an undisclosed amount of money. The community was alerted and launched a search for the culprits.
Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe says the residents managed to corner two of the three men involved and used an assortment of weapons including stones to assault them. During the attack one of the suspected rapists was burned to death. The second man was rescued from the mob by the police and taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
The 23-year-old man will appear in the Mphephu Magistrate Court as soon as he recovers. He faces charges of rape and house robbery.
Ngoepe says no arrests have been made as yet and urges anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the people involved in this mob incident, to contact Liuetenant Colonel Richard Boshomane at 079 894 5501, the crime stop number at 0860010111 or the nearest police station.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba has condemned the mob justice attack and warned residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. “Those that still continue with these irresponsible acts, will be dealt with mercilessly and without compromise,” concluded Ledwaba. Police investigations still continue.
