The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded the Sekhukhune District Detectives and Crime Intelligence Unit for apprehending seven suspects in connection with mob-justice attack in which a 55-year-old man was severely assaulted and two vehicles torched at Maraganeng village in Zaaiplaas Policing area.
According to Police reports, the incident occurred on 01 July 2023 after the victim was accused of stealing livestock in the area. An urgent meeting was called at a local soccer ground by one of the livestock owners who had apparently lost his cattle.
It is alleged that the conveners of the meeting started identifying people they suspect of stock theft. This prompted the community members to mobilize and started searching for the identified suspects while driving in an Isuzu bakkie.
The mob subsequently found a 55-year-old male at his home and he was forcibly taken from his residence and transported to the soccer ground where he was interrogated about the stolen livestock.
The mob then severely assaulted the victim until he was rescued by some of the individuals who were also involved in the attack. The mob continued with the attack and torched a minibus belonging to the victim’s friend.
The incident left members divided into two opposing groups resulting to the Izuzu bakkie which was earlier used to transport the victim from his residence being set alight as well by those who were in solidarity with the victim.
The victim who was severely injured has since been discharged from the hospital.
The suspects aged between 30 and 73 were arrested at Maraganeng village on Wednesday 26 July 2023 during an intelligence driven joint operation.
Police are still searching for the suspects responsible for torching the two vehicles.
The suspects will appear before the Zaaiplaas Periodical Court today, Thursday 27 July 2023 facing charges of Assault GBH.
Anyone with information regarding the remaining suspects is urged to contact the Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Mohoanaye Mahlangu on 082 318 9921 or Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or nearest Police Station or use MySAPSApp.
Police investigations are continuing.