BOPHELONG.- Residents woke up to a shocking crime scene in the wee hours of May 4, after a man (47) was killed in an act of mob justice over a suspected stolen laptop.

According to reports, the victim, Thabo Motaung, was accused of stealing a laptop during a housebreaking incident on 22nd Avenue.

An angry crowd gathered and searched for Motaung at his home in Ext 6. They caught him, brought him back to the scene of the crime, and beat him to death.

Following the brutal ‘street justice,’ police were called to the scene, where the lifeless body of murdered Motaung was found at the corner of Mohabane and Bokwe Street.

When Ster arrived at the scene, Motaung’s body was covered with a grey blanket. His bruised head, showing multiple injuries, was partially visible, and several rocks were lying nearby, suggesting that he was stoned to death.

Police confirmed that Motaung suffered extensive head injuries. He was declared dead on the scene by paramedics and identified by his brother before his body was taken to the mortuary.

Scores of bystanders watched as officers and forensic pathologists removed Motaung’s body.

Motaung’s family spoke to the newspaper anonymously, stating that they were unaware of what actually happened.

“I was called while at work. The neighbours told me that my brother was taken by an angry mob. I left work and fetched some family members. When we arrived at the scene, it was too late,” explained a relative.

Vanderbijlpark Police spokesperson Sergeant Sabelo Sigcu confirmed the incident and stated that a murder investigation is underway.

“We suspect acts of lynching,” said Sigcu.

Sigcu further noted that police are actively looking into the circumstances surrounding the death to bring those responsible to justice.