By Agreement Mabunda
POLOKWANE-A 25-year-old man was allegedly assaulted and burnt by an angry mob, at Hasani Mbhalati village, on Saturday 12 August 2023 at around 16:30.
Reportedly, the police received a report of vigilantism and quickly responded together with the emergency services.
On arrived at the scene, the victim was found burning. The EMS personnel tried to save him but unfortunately he died on the scene. He was identified as Doctor Maswanganyi (25) of Hasani Mbhalati village.
Preliminary Police investigations revealed that, the community accused him of being involved in the murder case of a 63-year-old woman, Maria Hlungwani who was found dead in a pipeline hole wrapped with a traditional cloth, on 19 July 2023 in the same village.
Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly warned the community members against vigilantism.
“Community members should understand that taking the law into their own hands is a crime, therefore, perpetrators will be arrested. The community must report criminals to Police who will investigate and arrest the suspects,” concluded Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the involved suspects should contact investigating officer Warrant Officer Thanyani Bakela 0823199724 or Crime Stop number 0860010111 or the nearest Police Station or
