By Theodorah waga Mawasha
LEPHEPANE-The residents of Mahlogwe village, ward 34, in Greater Tzaneen, are irate following the death of a man alleged to have been beaten to death by patrollers.
It is reported that James Mogoboya, (45), was allegedly killed by the patrollers because they accused him of stealing a generator, matrasses and other household items.
The incident is reported to have happened on Sunday, June 25.
According to the deceased’s nephew Manuel Mogoboya, his uncle was killed for a crime he did not commit. Thus, the residents demand that the local leadership be removed as it has failed the community by not allowing them to choose their preferred candidates to make the patrolling team.
“My uncle was killed in the absence of the community which is suspicious. Protocol was breached. Normally, when a thief is caught, we must be informed and gather as a community to witness the arrest and everything that happens. In my uncles’ case however, he was dragged from his home in the wee hours of Sunday morning and severely beaten with different objects at one of the patrollers’ houses”, Mogoboya said.
The deceased is said to have sadly succumbed to his injuries and died the next day at his home on Monday, June 26.
It is for these reasons that the residents are up in arms demanding the removal of the local councillor Eric Ralepelle, whom they accuse of pushing his political agenda because he hired the patrolling team in the absence of community members.
Cllr Ralepelle was contacted to respond to the allegations but said he will be still tied up. He promised to call us back, but, to no avail.
Ritavi police station could not be reached as phones rang unanswered.
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