Polokwane – Five people arrested for a mob justice incident in which a man suspected of luring a 9-year-old with “R10 to buy sweets” was fatally assaulted are going to appear in court on Monday, 14 September 2025.
The mob justice attack took place at Makgaung village, Limpopo, a week ago, after community members chased and caught up with the suspect near the sports ground.
Narrating events leading to the deadly incident, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspect allegedly gave a nine-year-old from Makgaung Village R10 to buy sweets, before leaving with the child.
IOL reports that community members became suspicious and gave chase.
IOL quoted Colonel Ledwaba as saying: “He reportedly dropped the child and fled towards the stream, where the community pursued him.
“The suspect was allegedly found hiding in the stream and was assaulted with stones by the group until he succumbed to his injuries.
“Police and emergency medical services were summoned to the scene, where the victim was certified dead.”
At the weekend, police said, “five suspects, aged between 30 and 40, in connection with the brutal murder of an unknown man during a mob justice attack that occurred on Tuesday night, 9 September 2025, in Polokwane City”.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspects were arrested at various locations within the city during the early hours of Thursday, 11 September 2025.
Limpopo Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the community for their role in providing valuable information that led to the arrests.
“This breakthrough demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships between the police and communities,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
“While mob justice incidents remain a serious concern in the province, this case proves that by working together within the law, we can ensure that perpetrators are brought before court rather than allowing lawlessness to prevail.”
The five suspects are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 September 2025, facing a charge of murder.
Colonel Ledwaba said investigations were continuing.
