Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Condemns Vigilantism after Man Killed at Mamotintane Village

In a stern warning against vigilante justice, Limpopo’s top police official, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has denounced a mob killing that occurred on Monday night in the vicinity of the University of Limpopo. The incident, which left an unidentified man dead from a brutal beating, has sparked a comprehensive police investigation and a manhunt for those responsible.

The scene was discovered by police officers upon their arrival at Mamotintane village, Ga-Mamabolo, after being tipped off about the attack. With severe head wounds, the victim was surrounded by a group of individuals and was pronounced dead at the scene. Unverified accounts suggest the man may have been caught stealing from a students’ residence nearby and was then subjected to a violent assault by community members wielding unknown objects.

Condemning the act, Lt. Gen. Thembi Hadebe has emphasized that vigilante actions are criminal offences and that the perpetrators will face the full strength of the law. "I have directed the Police to pursue those responsible for this senseless act of violence," she stated, reinforcing the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the situation.

The provincial commissioner has called upon anyone with pertinent information to come forward and assist the police in their investigation. Sergeant Solomon Malemela, the investigating officer, can be contacted directly, or information can be provided anonymously through the crime stop number or the MySAPSApp.

As the inquiry progresses, the Limpopo police are urging the public to refrain from taking justice into their own hands and instead trust law enforcement to handle criminal matters. The case highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing crime within communities while preventing unlawful retribution.