Two male suspects who are believed to be livestock owners and part of the vigilante group who allegedly kidnapped, shot and severely assaulted two community members after accusing them of criminality in the Sekhukhune policing precinct were arrested on Saturday, 18 November 2023 at about 14:00
The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation that was executed by the members of Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Policing (POPS), Sekhukhune District, Rakgoadi and Dennilton Crime Prevention members.
According to information, Police received reports about a shooting and kidnapping of two males at Letebejane village under Rakgoadi precinct and rushed to the area. Upon their arrival, it was discovered that two victims were kidnapped at gunpoint by a multiple of male suspects believed to be livestock owners who accused the duo of being responsible for stock-theft across the District.
The victims were assaulted and driven to different locations at Rakgoadi policing area while also being forced to point out where the stolen livestock is kept.
The Police managed to trace the suspects at Tompi-Seleka village and found some of them busy assaulting and burning the two victims in the bushes.
Police managed to rescue the duo and summoned the members of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Unfortunately, a 51 year-old victim identified as Serutle Mohlala was certified dead upon their arrival at the scene. Currently, the second victim is admitted at an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
Two suspects aged 33 and 59 were arrested during the operation and police seized five motor vehicles left by the other suspects who fled the scene on foot. The two arrested suspects will appear before Motetema Magistrates Court on Monday, 20 November 2023 to face murder, attempted murder and kidnapping charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned the acts of vigilantism leading to murder.
“We denounce the vigilante groups who are a law unto themselves, thus conducting themselves with impunity. These acts have a potential to escalate the murder rate in the Province and the police shall stop at nothing to arrest these criminals as part of our concerted efforts to reduce the crime picture,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
The Provincial Commissioner, concluded by instructing the multi-disciplinary teams to trace and arrest all the suspects to face the full might of the law.
A manhunt for suspects on the run is underway and Police’ request anyone with information should contact the Investigating Officer Sergeant Suzan Mashiloane on 071 239 4674 or Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp.
Police investigations are continuing.
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