TWO MALE SUSPECTS NABBED FOR PUBLIC VIOLENCE THAT ERUPTED AT GA-RIBA VILLAGE IN SEKHUKHUNE DISTRICT
POLOKWANE: Two male suspects aged 43 and 45 are expected to appear before the Praktiseer Magistrate court on Tuesday 20 August 2024 in connection with a public violence incident that erupted at Ga-Riba village under Tubatse policing area, Sekhukhune District on Sunday 18 August 2024.
It is alleged that members of the community mobilised and went to the tavern of a 45 year-old owner to confront him about a missing child who was last seen in 2018. The owner of the tavern was not on the premise and they apparently found his 36 year-old wife who was instructed to contact him.
She attempted to contact him but his cellphone was not reachable and they became aggressive and started to break the door and assaulted her. Afterward, the mob began to loot the tavern and took money, cigarettes and beers. Following the looting, the mob proceeded to the family house that was not far from the tavern and immediately set it alight on their arrival.
Police were informed about the incident and rushed to the scene and on arrival, found the road blocked with stones and a group of people gathered at a sports field next to the house belonging to the tarven owner which was burning.
Two suspects were apprehended on the spot and charged with public violence after being spotted throwing stones . The damages incurred at the tarven and house are estimated at thousands of rand. It is alleged that the mob accused the tarvern owner of being responsible for the disappearance of the child who went missing in 2018.
Police have opened a case of business robbery, public violence and arson.
Police encourage anyone who can provide valuable information that can lead to the apprehension of the other suspects responsible for the incident to contact the Investigating Officer Lieutenant Colonel David Twala on 071 210 6628 or crime stop number 08600 10111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp.
Police investigations are continuing.
