Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lt.-Gen. Sello Kwena has condemned the alleged killing of a male, assault of another and torching of a minibus on what appears to be mob justice incidents, on Saturday, 13 February, 2021, in Segwaelane village, in the policing area of Mooinooi near Brits.
Police spokesman, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said according to information available so far, reports suggest that police were summoned at about 23:40 to a scene in Segwaelane village main road where, on arrival, they found a man who was severely assaulted.
Despite being threatened, spokesman Mokgwabone said the police managed to successfully rescue the man and a woman from a group of people that had barricaded the road and was heavily armed with sticks, pangas and knobkerries.
In a release, Mokgwabone wrote, “Due to the volatile situation including throwing of stones towards the police, back-up was called. Subsequent to arrival of Public Order Police (POP) with an armoured vehicle, the police proceeded to a Toyota Quantum minibus, which was burning.
“To their dismay, they found the body of a male burnt beyond recognition in the minibus.
“The motive of the incidents is yet to be determined although unconfirmed reports suggest that the victims are accused of several and recent incidents of house robbery and house breakings allegedly committed in the village.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that all the victims are Bekkersdal residents from Gauteng Province. At this stage, cases of murder, malicious damage to property and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) have been opened for investigation and no arrest has been effected.
“Lieutenant General Sello Kwena reiterated that lawlessness and disrespect for the rule of law cannot be condoned. Furthermore, he urged the public to refrain from unlawful acts, including taking the law into their own hands, but to report all suspected criminal activities to the police or to recognised and legal structures such as Community Police Forum (CPF).
POTCHEFSTROOM: Police Commissioner Condemns Mob Justice in Segwaelane Village
