Police warn Limpopo communities after foreign national brutally murdered in vigilante attack

Police at Lephalale in Limpopo have launched a manhunt for assailants following the brutal murder of a 39-year-old man, who is a foreign national.

Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the 39-year-old was brutally murdered in what appears to be a vigilante attack on Monday morning, around 8am.

The incident happened at Marapong, according to Ledwaba.

“Police were called to the scene, following reports of mob justice in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered an African male lying on the ground, severely assaulted, bleeding and partially clothed,” he said.

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Emergency medical services were immediately summoned to the scene, and the victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

“The case, initially opened as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), has since been converted to murder. The motive behind the killing is still under investigation. No arrests have been made yet,” said Ledwaba.

Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned the brutal murder.

“Vigilantism has no place in our society and constitutes a serious criminal offence. We urge community members to report suspected criminal activities to the police rather than taking the law into their own hands,” said Hadebe.

“Police appeal to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Renier Oosthuizen, at 082 783 5624, or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Information can also be provided via the My SAPS App.”

The police assured community members that all information received by the police will be treated with strict confidence.

Last week, IOL reported that Hadebe has appealed for calm, after violence erupted in the Malamulele policing area as community members reacted to an incident of heinous crime in the neighbourhood.

Police said one community member was arrested following “violent criminal acts” which took place at the Malamulele police station. 

Rubber bullets were used to disperse agitated crowds which had gathered, while police said the arrested community member will be charged accordingly.

In another related incident, police at Malamulele were alerted to a mob attack in which four people suspected of being responsible for a gruesome murder, which happened on Tuesday last week, were attacked by angry community members.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News