Mob justice claims another life
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday June 9, 2026 14:08
Upon looking through a window, he reportedly saw a man attempting to forcefully open his vehicle and immediately screamed for help. Mogoditshane Police Station acting commander, Superintendent Mompoloki Ramaphoi, explained that members of the public responded swiftly to the resident's call for help. 'It is alleged that when the intruder realised he had been spotted, he attempted to flee the scene. However, members of the community managed to grab him and allegedly assaulted him,' he said when confirming the incident.
Ramaphoi noted that the suspect was severely beaten by the angry crowd before one of the residents reported the matter to the police. 'The people allegedly ganged up on him and beat him to a pulp. Police attended the scene and rushed the young man to the hospital. He had sustained a swollen head and bruises all over his body,' he added. The police chief said the deceased, believed to be between 25 and 30 years old, succumbed to his injuries at around 5am whilst still receiving treatment.
Following the incident, police have launched a investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible for the assault that led to the man's death. Ramaphoi cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that suspects should be handed over to the police for due legal process. The latest incident comes amidst growing concern over cases of mob justice, with police repeatedly warning the public that assaulting suspects is a criminal offence and can result in loss of life and prosecution.