A 28-year-old man from Mudimeli was stabbed to death at a local tavern on Saturday (3rd), with the suspect fighting for his life in hospital after he was assaulted by community members.
The deceased was identified as Ananias Ramafhi. The spokesperson for the Limpopo police, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, confirmed the incident.
According to Mojapelo, an argument allegedly ensued between Ramafhi and the suspect, which resulted in a fight. Ramafhi was stabbed in the chest and under his left arm with a sharp object and died at the scene.
The next morning (Sunday), members of the community apparently hunted for the suspect, and once they found him, allegedly took him to the soccer grounds where he was severely assaulted. The local chief managed to intervene just in time, pleading with the angry mob to let the man go. The suspect was taken to hospital, where he is still being kept under police guard. Cases of murder and assault were opened.
Mojapelo condemned the mob justice incident and reiterated that disrespect for the law would not be condoned. He urged members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands but rather to report all suspected criminal activities to the police.
"Those who are still perpetrating these types of acts will be dealt with harshly and without compromise," he said.
Ramafi's older brother, Mr Brian Ramafhi, said the family members were still trying to come to terms with the senseless murder. He will be buried at Mudimeli on Saturday, 10 December, with the service starting at 06:00.