Limpopo police have launched a manhunt after two men were allegedly beaten to death by community members at Khomele Garaside under the Mphephu policing area on Tuesday night, 30 June. The victims were reportedly accused of raping a 29-year-old foreign national before they were attacked.
Police were called to the scene at about 23:00, where they found the bodies of the two men lying on the ground with pieces of wood placed on top of them. A small fire was still burning, and one of the victims had burn injuries to the lower part of his body.
Both men also had injuries consistent with a severe assault. Emergency Medical Services declared them dead at the scene.
Police said the ages of the victims had not yet been established, while the identities of those responsible for the attack remained unknown.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said preliminary investigations indicated that the victims had been assaulted by members of the community after being accused of raping a 29-year-old foreign national. He said the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape and the subsequent killings remained under investigation.
Acting provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers condemned the killings.
“Mob justice is a serious criminal offence and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. We urge communities to allow the criminal justice system to deal with suspects through lawful processes instead of resorting to violence,” he said.
The case has been transferred to the Makhado Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation. Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation or lead to the arrest of those responsible to contact Captain Itani Munyai on 082 622 5020, the nearest police station, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS app.