Tired of the crime in their area, residents of Manamani and Itsani have decided to fight crime at all costs, resorting to the extreme of taking the law into their own hands to see criminals severely punished.
On Monday, 26 June, two men were apprehended by angry community members after they had allegedly robbed a bread-delivery truck at Manamani village. The two suspects, identified as residents from the nearby Tswinga village and Shayandima Township, allegedly robbed the passengers of the truck at gunpoint as it was delivering bread to the local spaza shops, taking an undisclosed amount of money.
One of the robbers managed to flee with the money, while the driver of the truck fought with the other one and shouted for help. With the help of the community, the man, who had a firearm on him, was captured and severely beaten before the police arrived and called a halt to the assault.
A community leader of the village, who preferred anonymity, said they were plain tired of crime. "Ours is a peaceful community, but criminals from other villages come and commit crime here. For some time now, we have had a hectic time dealing with shops' being robbed by outsiders, and now this latest robbery, also by outsiders. We condemn mob justice, but people are tired of crime," she said.
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that a 39-year-old suspect had been arrested. He said that an unlicensed firearm and seven rounds of ammunition had been recovered. "The arrested suspect has been charged with robbery with a firearm and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. A manhunt for the other unknown suspect is underway," he said.
The police appeal for information that might help them bring the outstanding suspect to book. Those with information can contact the branch commander, Col Nemavhola, on 082 565 7345. Alternatively, contact the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or visit MySAPSApp.
Meanwhile, another unlucky criminal met with his fate when a crowd of angry residents attacked him with an assortment of weapons after he had broken into a house at Itsani. He was instantly killed by the mob. The incident occurred on 24 June this year. The man was identified as a resident from Shayandima.