The scourge of mob justice that pervaded Vhembe some years ago seems to be raising its ugly head again. In one of the most brutal mob killings to have occurred in Vhembe, a man suspected of rape was badly beaten by a mob before being set alight.
The incident that shocked the village took place at Lwamondo Tshalovha on Sunday, 23 March. The 37-year-old man, believed to be from Mabvete in the Niani area, was identified by his next of kin as Tshifhiwa Singo. He had become a resident of the area and was staying at his girlfriend's house.
Those who knew him allege he was chased away from his home village for his involvement in criminal activities. He is also alleged to have given the local community a tough time by stealing fruit from households and nearby orchards, which he later sold to hawkers. It is also alleged that he was recently hacked with a panga while stealing avocados at a local fruit farm. Although many in the community spoke in low tones, many said the killing was "good riddance."
"We are no longer safe in our homes. Day in and day out, it's crime all over. If you do not hear of a house robbery, it will be theft, murder, rape, and other crimes. What type of society is this, where criminals rule supreme? They rob you today, and they are arrested, but the following day they are out, still committing the same crimes," lamented one local resident, who requested to remain anonymous.
"We have exercised our patience and followed the laws of the country as law-abiding citizens, but it is not working. Even the police are not helping. We are tired of this criminality, and this is why the community is resorting to such extremes," he said.
Mr Edward Mulaudzi of the local Tshikhovhokhovho Traditional Council said he had heard about the incident but did not have enough information to comment on it. "As the leadership, we know there is a lot of crime taking place. We urge the police to help us fight this scourge. We also urge our communities to report any form of criminality as they see it," he said.
Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Brig Hlulani Mashaba said they were alerted to an ongoing scene at Lwamondo Tshalovha, outside Vuwani, on Sunday and rushed to the area. "Upon arrival, the police found a naked male victim lying on the ground with severe burn wounds on his body and nobody at the scene. Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was allegedly found in a one-roomed house where he attempted to rape an elderly woman. The woman screamed for assistance, and members of the community rushed to the house," he said. He explained that the naked man was taken outside the house and burned to death on the street.
"We have since launched a manhunt for the unknown suspects who killed the victim," he said. Anyone with information that can assist the police with the investigation can contact the investigating officer, Sgt Randzu Mabedle, at (079) 849-6309, phone the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or contact their nearest police station.