Limpopo police have again called on the public not to take the law into their own hands following the brutal killing of two men accused of rape in an apparent mob justice incident.
The two men, identified as Thabelo Pholi (35) and Ridovhona Davhana (31), were accused of raping a 29-year-old Zimbabwean woman in Khomela village outside Louis Trichardt at around 23:00 on 30 June.
According to police, a group of residents mobilised and searched for the two men. After locating them, they allegedly assaulted them with various objects, resulting in their deaths. Both men were also partially burnt.
“The circumstances surrounding the alleged rape and the subsequent killings are still under investigation,” said Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba.
Emergency Medical Services personnel declared both men dead at the scene.
Ledwaba said police had opened two murder cases and that no arrests had been made. He said the identities of those responsible for the killings remained unknown and strongly condemned the incident, urging communities not to take the law into their own hands.
“We are always discouraging the community from this practice. If a crime is committed, the community should call the police and allow officers to do their work. People must understand that taking the law into their own hands is itself a criminal offence,” he said.
A community member, who asked not to be named, said residents were concerned about the incident. He alleged that some foreign nationals involved in the attack fled the village after being chased away by other members of the community.
The elder brother of Ridovhona Davhana, Chris Davhana, said the family was devastated by the loss.
“I received a call informing me about Ridovhona’s death. I was shocked, confused and heartbroken. We still needed him in our lives. We can only allow the law to take its course, even though we know he will never come back,” he said.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible to contact Sgt Thendo Ravele on 072 149 8029.
The funerals of Pholi and Davhana are expected to take place on Saturday, 11 July. Pholi will be buried in Khomela, while Davhana will be laid to rest in Garside.