Limpopo man critical after mistaken mob attack
Mulima residents attacked a man they mistook for a child kidnapper; he is now in hospital, fighting for his life.
LIMPOPO – A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being attacked by angry residents of Mulima Vuka village on March 17, who suspected him of kidnapping a child.
The incident occurred when three children were on their way home, and one of them, a four-year-old, was apparently approached by the man, who took her into the bushes without the parents’ knowledge.
The child’s mother, who asked to remain anonymous, said she saw a man holding her daughter’s hand around 17:30.
After realising that her child was being taken to the bushes, she screamed for help, alerting the community. Word spread quickly, and residents rushed to the area, finding the man hiding in thick bushes. Without giving him a chance to explain himself, the mob attacked him, using whatever weapons they could find. His clothes, which were dirty, led them to believe he matched the description of the suspected kidnapper, despite the fact that eyewitness accounts did not match the man’s appearance.
Police and community leaders had to struggle to free the man from the crowd, who attempted to block the police van from taking him away. The man was eventually taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
A community member, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their frustration, saying, “It is surprising; this man knows we are looking for kidnappers and robbers, so why was he hiding here? There is so much crime in this area, and people are really angry.”
She added that the incident had united the community, and they were planning a meeting to discuss ways to combat crime in the area.
Vhembe police spokesperson Warrant Officer Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that there was confusion regarding the alleged kidnapping. “We are aware of the incident and will wait for the victims to open cases. The injured man can also open a case once he recovers,” he said.
