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Angry mob torches Limpopo man's home, shop, vehicle and kills livestock

The group had accused the man of murder

Limpopo police are searching for information that will lead to the arrest of people involved in the torching of a business premises, a home and vehicle, and the killing of livestock in GaRapitsi, Itireleng Section.
Limpopo police are searching for information that will lead to the arrest of people involved in the torching of a business premises, a home and vehicle, and the killing of livestock in GaRapitsi, Itireleng Section.
Image: Provided

Angry community members in Limpopo have set alight property, including a house, belonging to a man they accused of hacking to death a young couple allegedly with a panga. The incident happened in GaRapitsi-Itireleng, outside Modjadjiskloof. 

Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said the residents  accused the 47-year-old man of being responsible for the brutal murder of  Nius Malatjie, aged 21 and his 18-year-old girlfriend Lucia Malapane whose bodies were found in their house with multiple wounds on Tuesday. 

The man, a neighbour of the slain couple, was one of the first people to arrive after a call for help from Nius's aunt Mokgadi Malatji. Malatji made the gruesome discovery when she went for a routine visit at the couple's house.

According to Mojapelo, community members were angry that the neighbour had called the police instead of alerting community members first.

“It is alleged a group of residents from this village torched the victim's shop and one motor vehicle. They proceeded to his house, burned it and in the process, killed some livestock including chickens, goats and pigs. The suspects then fled the scene,” Mojapelo said. 

He added that everything  in the house  was destroyed in the blaze and the value of the damage is estimated at more than a million rand.

Gen Ledwaba has warned residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and that harsh steps will be taken against the transgressors. 

“We appeal to community members who might have information that can assist the police in their investigations to approach them instead of resorting to violence,” he said. 

Cases of arson and malicious damage to property have been opened.

Mojapelo said police investigations in both incidents are ongoing. 

“Anyone with information which can lead to the arrest of the suspects from either incident is urged to contact Brig Willy Mashava at 082-451-7188, the Crime stop number 08600-10111 or the nearest police station,” said Mojapelo.