VIGILANTISM AND WELCOMES ARRESTS OF SIX SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN MOB JUSTICE ATTACK
POLOKWANE: The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemns in the strongest possible terms the acts of vigilantism and welcomes the arrests of six suspects allegedly involved in the murder of a 33 year old male victim in a mob justice at Itsani Matieni village, Vhembe District on Wednesday 26 March 2025.
It is alleged that community members of Itsani regrouped and approached a certain house in Itsani Matieni village searching for a male victim, accusing him of theft in the community.
On their arrival, they damage the house to gain access to the victim. In the process, the victim was apprehended, leaving the house’s door and windows broken. They took him to a nearby sports field, where he was assaulted until the Police were notified.
On the arrival of the Police members, they found one of his family members at the scene, who identified the victim as Mudau Phathutshedzo. Emergency Medical Service personnel were summoned to the scene, and he was certified dead.
A case of murder and malicious damage to property was registered for further investigation.
A thorough investigation led to six suspects, two females and four males aged between 32 and 51 arrested on Saturday, 29 March 2025 and will appear before Thohoyandou Magistrate’s court on Monday, 31 March 2025.
“These arrests will help us to set an example about those taking the law into their own hands. All acts of vigilantism must be condemned in its contempt. Communities must learn to report all criminal elements to the police,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe
More arrests are imminent. Anyone with information that can assist the Police information should contact investigating officer Sergeant Shudufhadzo Sivhaga on 061 401 8710, Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or MySAPSApp.
