Mob justice: Woman arrested for murder after alleged laptop thief beaten to death
Preliminary investigations revealed that Hleketa Shakes Mapimele, a resident at Shigalo village, was forcefully dragged from his residence by a mob who accused him of stealing a laptop from a nearby house.
Image: Brenton Geach
A 34-year-old woman is expected to appear before the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, following her arrest in connection with a mob-justice incident at Mphakati village under the Saselamani policing area.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, said the horrific incident occurred on Sunday morning.
"Police were conducting patrol duties when they were informed about members of the community who were busy assaulting a male victim at the village. They reacted swiftly and rushed to the vicinity and found a male victim lying in the middle of the road with severe injuries on his body," said Ledwaba.
Emergency medical services were summoned, and he was declared dead on arrival at the scene.
"Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was forcefully dragged from his residence by a mob who accused him of stealing a laptop from a nearby house," said Ledwaba.
Police said the arrested woman was positively identified as one of the participants in the brutal attack. Several other suspects are still at large.
The deceased man has been identified by police as Hleketa Shakes Mapimele, a resident of Shigalo village.
"Anyone with information that can assist with the apprehension of outstanding additional suspects in the murder is requested to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Simon Jabulani Maswanganyi on 083 761 4302, Crime Stop number 08600 10111, nearest police station or use the My SAPS App," the police appealed.
Police investigations are continuing.
Last week, seasoned crime analyst Calvin Rafadi spoke to IOL on the spate of vigilante murders and condemned the acts of mob justice, warning communities of the grave consequences and criminality around taking the law into their own hands.
Rafadi stressed that mob justice is a “serious crime” committed by community members against suspected offenders.
He cautioned that those involved in such vigilante violence can be prosecuted and face charges such as murder.
Veteran forensic investigator, Calvin Rafadi spoke to IOL.
Image: Jonisayi Maromo/IOL
“This type of act reminds us of the kangaroo courts during the apartheid era, where even innocent people were prosecuted without evidence or trial, and ultimately killed,” Rafadi said.
He reminded communities that citizens’ arrest is legally recognised in South Africa’s justice system, urging people to familiarise themselves with the correct legal procedures instead of resorting to mob violence.
Rafadi further warned that while crime affects everyone in South Africa, many instances of mob justice stem from individuals seeking personal revenge, hatred, or social tensions.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News