On Thursday, 1 December, a 29-year-old man, accused of being behind the spate of crimes around Chavani and the surrounding area, was attacked and killed by angry community members.
The deceased, identified as Steven Rambuwani, was believed to be part of a group of men who have been terrorising the communities in the area. He was beaten to death before the police could intervene.
Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said that the deceased was assaulted with different kinds of objects. A murder case has been opened.
Mojapelo was very critical about the action taken by the community members who participated in this act of mob justice. "We are always discouraging the community from taking the law into their own hands. If a crime is committed, the community should call the police and let the officers do their jobs. People should take into consideration that taking the law into their own hands is a downright criminal offence," he said.
No arrests have been made yet, but the police said a task team was being set up to investigate the case and identify those who were involved.
According to a community member, who did not want to have his name mentioned, the group of thieves allegedly broke into houses and stole household goods. "We are tired of the anarchy caused by these thugs. They have been terrorising us for a long time," he said.
He said the community decided to take the law into their own hands because they felt the police were not doing their job. "Our community is sick and tired of the police arresting criminals and then, within weeks, they are released again."
Another community member added that crime was at an all-time high. He said that several families had been attacked and robbed at their homes. "We are very concerned, and we are sending a warning out to would-be criminals not to dare set foot in our village as their safety will not be guaranteed."