LIMPOPO – Police in Lebowakgomo have opened a murder case following a mob attack in Lebowakgomo Zone A, where a man accused of attempting to break into a house was assaulted by community members.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, says VISPOL officers responded to a complaint of malicious damage to property in Zone A.

“When they arrived at the scene, they found the alleged intruder severely injured after what appears to have been an incident of mob justice. He was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, but was pronounced dead on arrival.”

The deceased is believed to be middle-aged, but his identity remains unknown.

Preliminary investigations suggest the man was discovered by a child while allegedly damaging the ceiling inside a house.

The child screamed for help, drawing the attention of community members, who then confronted the man. He fell from the roof and was assaulted before police were notified.

“Police have since opened a case of malicious damage to property against the deceased, as well as a murder case against the community members involved,” says Ledwaba.

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned acts of vigilantism.

“No one has the right to assault anyone, regardless of the nature of the offence. Anyone acting outside the ambit of the law will be dealt with decisively,” she said.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that may help identify and apprehend the suspects to contact Detective Sergeant Millet Letoaba on 072 576 0974, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.