POLOKWANE – A large youth gathering associated with Limpopo’s fast-growing Lekompo music and dance culture turned volatile on Saturday, with police confirming multiple criminal incidents in School Road, in the vicinity of Mall of the North.

While the shopping centre itself remained secure and operational, authorities said the crowd – estimated at around 1 500 teenagers and young adults – assembled in and around the broader area before being dispersed by a coordinated response from private security and the police.

Teen robbed, man stabbed in gathering chaos

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said officers confiscated items including toy guns and knives, while several cases linked to the gathering are under investigation.

In one incident, a 16-year-old boy was robbed of two cellphones, a tablet and cash. In another, a 22-year-old man was stabbed after refusing to hand over his cap. He was treated in hospital.

“There are also concerns about adults supplying alcohol to minors,” Thakeng said.

Authorities noted that the crowd was expected to disperse later in the evening, but intervention came earlier, with the area cleared by around 18:00.

Some members of the group reportedly moved to nearby locations, where further disruptions, including damage to a vehicle, were reported.

Mall management responds

Mall management emphasised that safety protocols remained firmly in place throughout the incident.

“Security measures and collaboration with the police ensure a well-managed environment for all visitors,” said centre manager Alida Smit. “Our priority remains to provide a safe, welcoming space for all shoppers and tenants.”

The Lekompo movement

The incident has reignited debate around Lekompo, a Limpopo-born music genre and youth movement that has surged in popularity across social media platforms and street culture.

Characterised by high-energy beats, dance challenges and a strong township aesthetic, Lekompo has become a defining sound among young people in the province.

Its rapid rise has also led to spontaneous mass gatherings – often organised informally online.

Artists and cultural figures within the movement have, however, pushed back against attempts to link the genre to criminal behaviour.

“Lekompo is about music, not crime”

Prominent Lekompo producer Clarence ‘Hitboss’ Mangena said the weekend’s incidents should not be seen as reflective of the culture itself.

“Lekompo is about music, creativity and community and not crime. You cannot attribute individual actions to an entire genre,” he said.

Mangena pointed to organised Lekompo events, such as curated performances and balcony mix sessions, which he said have taken place without incident and often promote unity and local talent.

Similar youth gatherings, often fuelled by viral trends and music-driven identities, have been seen in other parts of the country, sometimes requiring intervention when crowds grow beyond control.

Police urge victims to come forward

Police say the focus now is on accountability for criminal acts, while also urging community awareness and parental involvement.

“We encourage anyone affected to open cases so investigations can proceed,” Thakeng said.