VILLAGERS went on a rampage on Tuesday, 12 December.
This was after suspects were found in possession of seven slaughtered cows.
This happened after a case of stock theft was reported in Mavele Village outside Tzaneen in Limpopo at about 10am.
Hours after the case was opened, villagers spotted a suspicious white Toyota Quantum parked in a bushy area. They mobilised and approached the vehicle where they found five occupants with cattle carcasses.
Three occupants aged 38 and 43, a man and two women, were cornered and allegedly attacked by the angry villagers, while two others managed to flee.
Limpopo police spokesman Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the three occupants were cornered and attacked after the villagers found cattle carcasses in the Quantum.
"They also set the Quantum on fire," he said.
Mashaba said police were called to the scene and that the villagers dispersed upon their arrival.
"Police found the three attacked suspects in possession of about seven cattle carcasses, some of which were already cut into pieces," Mashaba said.
They were then taken to a local clinic for medical treatment.
They'll appear in the Ritavi Magistrates Court on Thursday, 14 December facing charges of possession of suspected stolen livestock.
"Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the other suspects involve and vigilantism should contact Detective-Sergeant Motsitsile Thobejane on 082 565 8596 or the nearest police station. Police investigations are still ongoing," he said.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe has strongly warned the public against the unacceptable acts of vigilante justice.
She called on communities to respect the law and report criminal activities to the police without hesitation.
