Police warn Limpopo residents after alleged thief fell from ceiling and was beaten to death
Police in Lebowakgomo, Limpopo, have opened a murder case after community members allegedly assaulted a man accused of breaking into a house and later died in hospital.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said officers were responding to a complaint of malicious damage to property in Lebowakgomo Zone A on Saturday when they came across the injured man.
“When our members arrived at the scene, they found the alleged suspect lying on the ground with severe injuries after being attacked by community members. He was immediately transported to a local hospital, but unfortunately, he was declared dead on arrival,” said Ledwaba.
Preliminary investigations suggest the man had allegedly been caught inside a house, damaging the ceiling.
“We were informed that a child inside the house saw the suspect tampering with the ceiling and screamed for help. Members of the community reacted, and the suspect is said to have fallen from the roof before he was assaulted,” said Ledwaba.
The deceased is believed to be middle-aged, but his identity remains unknown.
Police have opened a case of malicious damage to property against the deceased, as well as a murder case against the community members involved.
Meanwhile, Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the attack and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
“No one has the right to assault anyone, regardless of the nature of the offence,” she said. “Anyone acting outside the ambit of the law will be dealt with decisively.”
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Sergeant Millet Letoaba on 072 576 0974, the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111, or the My SAPS App.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News