Five suspects have been arrested for killing three people suspected of stealing
cattle in Dithabaneng ga-Mphahlele outside Lebowakgomo on Monday.
The three unidentified victims were on Friday stoned and set alight during
an incident of mob-justice at the said village.
This after nine cattle were brought to the area on Wednesday, two of the
victims died on the spot and the third died on the way to hospital.
The vehicle that was to be used to transport these animals from the area, was
also torched.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the nine cattle were
reported stolen from Bolopa village along the R37 road in Lebowakgomo policing
precinct.
The woman in whose premises these cattle were kept, has also been taken in for
questioning. More arrests are expected.
Provincial police Commissioner General Nneke Ledwaba said the arrest of these
suspects a few days after the brutal killing of the victims should send a clear
message that the police are determined to stamp out all incidents of
mob-justice.
Investigations to establish the identity of the deceased are proceeding.
The suspects, aged between 44 and 66, will appear in Lebowakgomo magistrate court tomorrow, on charges of three counts of murder and Malicious Damage to Property.
