#JusticeforThorisho: Residents threaten to take law into own hands

Angry Flora Park residents who are demanding justice for Thorisho Themane, who was brutally murdered on the weekend, have threatened to take the law into their own hands if the justice system fails to punish the perpetrators.
About 1 500 furious residents filled Flora Park Comprehensive Primary School hall to capacity last night (Wednesday) during a community meeting aimed to seek justice for Themane and raise safety concerns in the community.

The crowd was addressed by acting Provincial Police Commissioner Jan Scheepers and Polokwane Community Policing Forum Chairperson Rudi Botha, who pledged that they would do anything in their power to ensure that the criminals were brought to book.
Residents were sceptical about the pronouncements as they pointed out several criminal cases that have allegedly faded into thin air. Two of the cases raised include that of a boy in Ladanna who was reportedly stabbed by the same persons involved in Themane’s case in December and of a drug lord who bragged about bribing Police officers after spending only a day behind bars.
The mother of a boy who took footage of one of the alleged suspects in Themane’s case bragging about his father’s connections, Raphahle Mphahlele claimed her son fears for his life after threats were allegedly made on social media by one of the suspects. She said the Police didn’t want to assist her to open a case until her niece connected with officials in high positions. Mphahlele stressed that her son was a hero and should be given the Provincial Police Commissioner’s title.

Police visibility in the area was also questioned and residents claimed that officers spent most of their time at a filling station in the area, enjoying free pies. They requested that municipal public safety unit personnel patrol the parks and playing fields in the suburb to ensure children’s safety. The five suspects arrested in connection with Themane’s murder are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court this morning (Thursday), where Democratic Alliance (DA) Limpopo Premier Candidate Jacques Smalle and DA Provincial Spokesperson on Quality of Life & Status of Women, Youth and Disability, Katlego Suzan Phala are expected to lead a picket.
Updates to follow.

Story, photos & video: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za