A group of residents allegedly stormed a rental home in Masakaneng, North West on Thursday night and pulled out a man they accused of stealing copper cables — a confrontation that ended with his death and multiple arrests.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said officers later took seven suspects into custody in connection with the alleged mob killing.
The suspects are aged between 18 and 40.
Ledwaba said the incident happened at about 6pm.
“The group [reportedly] assaulted the man and later found a plastic bag containing copper cables and instead of handing the matter over to the police, the suspects [reportedly] continued.
“The mob allegedly refused to proceed to the police station and instructed an unidentified individual to drive the bakkie into the clinic premises,” he said, adding the victim was in the vehicle.
According to Ledwaba, the man was pronounced dead on arrival.
Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Thembi Hadebe said: “Vigilantism has no place in our society.
“Community members must work with the police and allow the justice system to function.
“We will not tolerate acts of mob justice, and those involved will face the full might of the law.”
The suspects are expected to appear in the Motetema Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
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