Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

A crime ended brutally for two thugs when one of them was assaulted and another stoned to death by angry residents in Botlokwa, Limpopo, yesterday.

The injured man is in the intensive care unit of the Botlokwa Hospital near Modjadjiskloof.

Villagers said six men robbed two pensioners of R2000 at an automatic teller machine.

When the pensioners screamed for help, villagers came to their rescue and the thugs fled. The villagers caught two of them and four of the suspects escaped.

"The men approached the pensioners and offered to help them withdraw money," said a witness.

"But after the withdrawal they told the pensioners there was no cash in their account.

"They refused to give the pensioners the ATM receipt so the elderly pair shouted for help."

Community spokesman, Siti Maila, said the villagers used sticks, spades, stones and rocks "as big as paw-paws" to bludgeon the pair.

Police spokesman, Mohale Ramatseba confirmed the incident and said the survivor's condition was critical but stable and he was in hospital under police guard.

Ramatseba said the ages and names of the victims would not be released until their next-of-kin had been notified.