MAN KILLED IN SUSPECTED MOB JUSTICE INCIDENT AT SETUMONG VILLAGE IN MATLALA
POLOKWANE: Police in Matlala ,Capricorn district have opened a case of murder following a suspected mob justice incident in which a man was brutally assaulted at Setumong Village on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Police were alerted to the incident and responded to the scene at approximately 16:00. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of an African male lying on the ground and partially unclothed. The deceased was later identified as Mr Malose Joseph Ledwaba (51), a resident of Christina Village, Ga-Mashashane.
Emergency Medical Services were summoned and certified the victim dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was operating an internet café at Setumong Village. Inside the premises, property was found scattered, indicating signs of disturbance. Further investigations suggest that the deceased was allegedly severely assaulted by a group of people and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The motive for the attack is unknown at this stage.
Police investigations are continuing, and no arrests have been made.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed serious concern over the incident and reiterated that mob justice is a criminal act. She stated that no individual or group has the right to assault or kill another person, regardless of the circumstances. Lieutenant General Hadebe warned that those involved in acts of mob justice will be traced and face the full might of the law. She further appealed to communities to work with the police and to use lawful channels when dealing with criminal matters.
Anyone with information that may assist the police’s investigation is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Maropeng Mabula, on 076 877 9047, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or the nearest police station.
