Limpopo police have launched a murder investigation after a Zimbabwean national died following an alleged mob assault.
The incident took place on Tuesday in Lefara Village, under the Maake policing area.
Community members accused the Zimbabwean national of stealing electric cables before attacking him.
Officers find Zimbabwean national badly injured at the scene
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers responded to reports of a mob attack in Lefara Village.
When they arrived, they found a group of residents surrounding an injured man lying on the ground.
Paramedics rushed him to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
Before the ambulance left the scene, police managed to speak briefly to the victim.
He identified himself as a Zimbabwean national who lived in Bridgeway Village.
Initial information suggested that residents had confronted and assaulted him after accusing him of stealing electric cables.
Later that evening, Emergency Medical Services confirmed that the man had died from injuries sustained during the attack.
Police issue warning after Zimbabwean national’s death
Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe strongly condemned the incident, warning communities against taking the law into their own hands.
Police stressed that mob justice remains a serious criminal offence and often leads to tragic consequences.
Authorities have urged residents to report suspected criminal activity to the police rather than resorting to violence. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Call for information
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Constable Madibeng Mahlo on 082 319 9742 or report anonymously through Crime Stop.
