By Doreen Mokgolo
- Man found naked in an elderly woman’s home before angry villagers dragged him out and set him alight.
- Police say mob justice is a crime and warn arrests will follow.
A man was beaten and burnt to death by a mob after he was caught trying to rape an elderly woman in Tshalovha Village, Limpopo.
Singo Tshifhiwa was found naked inside the pensioner’s one-room house, where he had broken in.
The woman screamed for help, and neighbours rushed to her rescue.
They dragged Tshifhiwa out of the yard, beat him and then set him on fire.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said officers were called to the scene and found Tshifhiwa’s body on the ground.
“He was found naked with serious burn wounds. No one from the community was at the scene when police arrived,” said Mashaba.
Tshifhiwa, who was in his mid-thirties, was identified by his relatives. He was declared dead at the scene.
A resident, Mashudu Ramabulane, said criminals often target old people who live alone.
“They know they are vulnerable. They steal their pensions, take their valuables and rape them. We need CPF and patrollers in our villages to protect our pensioners,” she said.
Limpopo provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe criticised the attack and warned that those involved will be arrested.
“We are urging the community to report crime to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands. Mob justice is a crime. Anyone found to have taken part in this killing will face the law,” she said.
She urged anyone with information to call Sergeant Randzu Mabedle on 079 8496 309 or the crime stop number on 08600 10111.
Pictured above: Police cars.
Image source: SAPS
