Mob kills alleged criminal in Louis Trichardt
Tensions rise as an alleged criminal was killed by community members in Tshikuwi, sparking debate over crime, justice, and vigilantism.
LIMPOPO – A 24-year-old man, identified as Samuel Nthangeni, was killed by community members in Tshikuwi village in Vhembe last Tuesday.
Nthangeni, alleged to have been part of a gang responsible for multiple crimes, including robbery, theft, rape and assault, had reportedly been evading authorities for an extended period.
Upon locating Nthangeni, residents took the law into their own hands, using various weapons to beat him. Some community members alerted the police and requested medical assistance.
Despite being transported to Siloam Hospital, Nthangeni succumbed to his injuries.
A local resident, speaking anonymously, expressed the community’s frustration: “This will send a message to anyone thinking of continuing with crime that they are not welcome here. Enough is enough, and we have taken a stand – we will fight fire with fire.”
He criticised what he referred to as the perceived inefficacy of the police, saying suspects are often arrested only to be released and that this serves as a catalyst for the community’s drastic actions.
Vhembe police spokesperson WO Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident and cautioned against mob justice.
“We urge residents to hand criminals over to the police, so they can be tried in a court of law.”
He added that a murder case has been opened, but no arrests have been made yet, and appealled to community members with information to come forward.
In the aftermath, angry residents burned down Nthangeni’s shack and blocked the R523 with stones and other debris.
The police continue to investigate the incident and urge communities to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
