Latest news with #CalvinRafadi
IOL News
12-06-2025
- IOL News
The dark reality of mob justice in Limpopo: Vigilantism and brutal murders of accused people
IOL has spoken to crime analyst Calvin Rafadi, a research associate at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), who welcomed the recent sentencing of individuals involved in acts of mob justice, also known as vigilantism. Image: File South Africa has witnessed countless cases of mob justice, where community members viciously attack crime-accused individuals, often beating and burning them to death. The trend is particularly prevalent across the Limpopo province, and IOL has reported on numerous incidents where alleged criminals are at times tortured and brutally killed by the angry community members. IOL has spoken to crime analyst Calvin Rafadi, a research associate at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), who welcomed the recent sentencing of individuals involved in acts of mob justice, also known as vigilantism. In the latest incident, the High Court in Polokwane has convicted and sentenced 57-year-old Daniel Komana from Ga-Mothapo village, to two life terms of imprisonment for two counts of murder. Komana was also sentenced to a fine of R8,000, or four years' imprisonment, half of which is suspended for three years, for two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Komana's co-accused, 71-year-old Rampedi Jeriel Malatjie from Ga-Molepo, was sentenced to a fine of R8,000 or four years' imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years, for two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Mmanaka Phillemon Rasehlo, 57, also from Ga-Molepo, was handed a fine of R8,000 or four years' imprisonment, half of which is suspended for three years for two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. All three men - Komana, Malatjie and Rasetlo - had pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court heard that on 21 October 2019, a group of cattle owners from Sebjeng village arrived at the homestead of two accused men, Mack Leposha Mashapa and Makhotla Geoffrey Thabana. The mob forcibly took them to the Sebjeng community hall, where they were interrogated and brutally assaulted. Mashapa and Thabana were later taken to nearby bushes, where they were burned to death. Key witnesses, including the wives of the deceased men, testified regarding the events which led to the horrific murders. The matter was reported to the police at Mankweng, who responded the next morning. Komana, Malatjie and Rasetlo were arrested shortly thereafter. In aggravation of sentence, state advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo argued that violent crimes of this nature are widespread, and that strong punitive measures are necessary to deter communities from taking the law into their own hands. The court accepted that the crimes were premeditated and motivated by personal grievances. Advocate Ratshibvumo emphasised that the accused, as mature adults, should have acted more responsibly. Limpopo spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the High Court in Polokwane has sent a strong message against mob justice by sentencing the key perpetrator to two life terms for the brutal abduction, assault, and murder of the two men. 'This landmark judgment reaffirms the rule of law and makes it clear that those who take justice into their own hands will face serious consequences,' said Malabi-Dzhangi. 'The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to holding perpetrators accountable and delivering justice for victims of senseless violence.' Meanwhile, director of public prosecutions in Limpopo, advocate Ivy Thenga has welcomed the sentences as a deterrent to would-be offenders. In an interview with IOL regarding the scourge of vigilantism, crime researcher Rafadi acknowledged the high levels of crime in the country and the widespread frustration it causes among citizens. However, Rafadi emphasized the importance of communities allowing law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties in accordance with the law. 'We are all affected and frustrated by the scourge of crime, but we must give law enforcement a chance to do their work. They are the ones mandated to uphold the law and they have all the tools,' said Rafadi. He appealed to politicians, and public figures to highlight the blight of mob justice and vigilantism. Rafadi warned that such acts amount to 'kangaroo courts' that often result in severe harm and sometimes death of innocent people. Veteran forensic investigator, Calvin Rafadi. Image: Jonisayi Maromo/IOL 'Mob justice is not only unlawful, it is also a serious crime that reflects deep-seated hatred and mistrust within our communities,' he said. Rafadi said citizen arrests are legal in South Africa, and empowers communities only to arrest criminals peacefully and hand them over to the police. IOL News
IOL News
05-06-2025
- IOL News
Crime expert warns against hitchhiking after a 16-year-old girl was violated in a VW Polo
Forensic crime expert and University of Johannesburg research associate, Calvin Rafadi, spoke to IOL on the dangers of hitchhiking in South Africa after a 16-year-old girl from Mpumalanga was brutally raped by people in VW Polo. Image: Nqobile Mbonambi/Independent Media Seasoned forensic crime expert and University of Johannesburg research associate, Calvin Rafadi, has condemned the incident where a 16-year-old girl from Mpumalanga was brutally raped after she was picked by a vehicle on the road where she was hitchhiking. Earlier on Thursday, IOL, quoting Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, reported that the teenager was given a lift by strangers. The incident is said to have occurred in Lydenburg on Sunday, at approximately 4pm. Rafadi told IOL that at times, criminals go around looking for people who are hitchhiking, and give them lifts. "One of the dangerous issues about hitchhiking is that women and girls get sexually assaulted. The hitchhiking spots are places where some of the perpetrators spot their victims, they just drive around and identify these hotspots where people gather to hitchhike. They pick women and girls, and rape them. In some instances, they pick different people and abuse them," said Rafadi. He said hitchhiking in groups has not deterred the criminals because there has been instances where groups of people were attacked in vehicles. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Seasoned forensic and crime expert Calvin Rafadi said bank officials must be investigated. Image: Supplied Rafadi added that men are also not safe, as the criminals using vehicles also seek to rob their victims. "Even if you do not have money, they will force you to start borrowing money from your contacts, your family and friends. The criminals also get into your banking details while holding you under duress," said Rafadi. He said picking up hitchhikers also presents dangers for motorists who can be attacked by the passengers. Earlier, police in Mpumalanga said teenage girl was offered a lift by two men travelling in Volkswagen Polo. 'According to the (police) report, the female victim was from Dullstroom, heading to Lydenburg when a black Volkswagen Polo, with two male occupants, stopped and offered her a lift. She then accepted the offer,' said Brigadier Mdhluli. After passing Coromandel, the driver of the VW Polo diverted the vehicle into a secluded area. 'The passenger allegedly covered her mouth with a cloth that emitted a chemical smell, causing her to lose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, she realised the passenger was busy raping her,' said Mdhluli. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. A case docket was opened and assigned to the family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit for investigation. The perpetrators are still at large, and police are appealing to members of the public who may have information that may assist in locating and apprehending the suspects to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Gabsile Mlangeni on 078 751 3463. Alternatively, people with vital information may share the details by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send details via the My SAPS App. 'All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous,' said Mdhluli. Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has given assurance that the perpetrators will be hunted down and brought to book. In 2023, Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, cautioned community members against hitch-hiking, and giving lifts to hitch-hikers, following different criminal activities recorded in the province. In the first incident, a 55-year-old man who was hitch-hiking was given a lift in a Suzuki Swift vehicle near the Mall of the North in Polokwane. The 55-year-old man was travelling to Ga-Dikgale. 'It is alleged that three unknown suspects (the occupants of the car) took the wrong direction, stopped, produced pistols and a knife, and robbed him of all his belongings such as a cellphone, wallet with cash worth R400, and bank cards, all valued at R5,400 and ordered him to run into the bushes,' provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said at the time. The robbers then drove off with the man's possessions.
IOL News
01-06-2025
- IOL News
Seasoned investigator says there is no crime you cannot find in Joburg CBD
A police officer walks past a shop which was raided for selling counterfeit clothing along the infamous Smal Street in Johannesburg central. Image: Picture: Chris Collingridge For 36-year-old Pretoria mother of three, Belinda Manzi (not her real name) the streets of Johannesburg CBD are a place she vows not to set foot in again, after she was mugged in broad daylight during her visit for shopping last year. 'What lured me to Joburg was the stories of massive bargains one finds in Smal Street and other shops scattered across the city. So when I was planning for Christmas, I did not have enough money and I opted to take the taxi to Joburg CBD. 'I saw people being robbed in broad daylight, and before I had bought anything, I was also targeted and mugged. No one stopped by to help me. It all happened very fast, and it was the first time I had a gun pointed in my face. I had to beg to raise money to come back to Pretoria. I will not be going back to Jozi anytime soon after the experience,' said the mother of two. Many social media users in South Africa narrate similar ordeals, of how they could not resist the lure of bargains in Joburg city center, only to end up with tears and regret. In April, social media user Christophe Mubi wrote on X: 'More than 15 years in Pretoria, never got hijacked or robbed in the CBD. Guess what, only once last week in Joburg CBD my life was almost gone. All phones taken by heavily armed guys. (They) even forced me to use face ID for my iPhone. Except the car was not taken. Reported to SAPS by KFC MTN, nothing (happened)'. The heavily populated inner city of Johannesburg has become infamous for muggings and robberies, with residents calling on authorities to intensify foot patrols and use technology to counter the scourge which deters many South Africans to freely visit the economic heartbeat of the continent. In an interview with IOL, seasoned forensic crime expert and University of Johannesburg research associate, Calvin Rafadi, said for a long time, the Joburg CBD has become synonymous with violent crime. 'I regard the Joburg CBD as one of the notorious, stubborn, hotspot areas when it comes to crime. The reason being - it is harbouring a lot of illegal immigrants and even those who are wanted, who are South African, they stay in those hijacked buildings, in the hostels, and there is no crime that you cannot find within the Joburg CBD. Veteran forensic investigator, Calvin Rafadi spoke to IOL. Image: Jonisayi Maromo/IOL 'I am talking of counterfeit clothes that are hidden in some of those factories, illegal cigarettes, illegal firearms, most wanted people even those wanted in other African countries they reside in Joburg. Even with the street muggings and those types of crimes - the criminals find it easy to move around the streets and they can even dodge the police. There are a lot of buildings and if you are looking for a criminal, he can move from one building to another,' said Rafadi. 'One needs to be on the ground and understand properly how the network operates when it comes to them aiding and abetting one another within the CBD. Sometimes when a building is raided, you find that there are boys moving around in the streets, and when they see an unusual vehicle of the police, they send a 'please call' to those who are upstairs, perhaps manufacturing drugs or doing online scams, many crimes are happening there.' Rafadi said the Joburg CBD is also infamous for the manufacture and sale of fake documents including counterfeit asylum-seeker papers. In March, IOL reported that two women were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, for involvement in fraudulent activities related to falsification of matric certificates. At the time, Gauteng spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha said the arrest of the women highlights the law enforcement agency's 'relentless drive' to uphold justice and maintain the integrity of South Africa's education system. 'The arrest occurred on Thursday, March 20, 2025, after an alert police officer observed suspicious behavior at an internet café in central Johannesburg,' said Ramovha. 'The suspects, aged 24 and 31, were found editing a matric certificate issued in 2014, altering the academic results to misrepresent qualifications.' Ramovha said electronic devices used in the crime, including a computer and a mobile phone were seized for further investigation. On the other hand, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) told IOL that it acknowledges the concerns of residents, businesses, and visitors regarding crime within the Joburg CBD. 'We want to assure the public that the safety and security of all who live, work, and visit the CBD are a top priority. We are implementing a multi-faceted approach to aggressively combat criminal activity in the area,' said JMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla. 'Our efforts are focused on several key strategic areas: We have significantly increased the deployment of uniformed officers on foot, bicycle, and in marked vehicles throughout the CBD. These high-visibility patrols are strategically directed to identified crime hotspots during peak hours to deter criminal activity and enhance public confidence. 'The JMPD is utilizing intelligence gathering and analysis to identify criminal trends, patterns, and key perpetrators operating within the CBD. This allows us to conduct targeted operations, including raids and arrests, based on actionable information,' he said. He said the JMPD is actively enforcing municipal by-laws to address issues that contribute to a sense of lawlessness and can create an environment conducive to more serious crime. This includes tackling illegal trading, loitering, and other forms of public nuisance. 'The JMPD recognizes that fighting crime requires a collaborative effort. We are working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), private security companies operating in the CBD, community policing forums, and local businesses to share information, coordinate operations, and develop joint strategies,' said Fihla. He said the JMPD is also investing in and leveraging technology to enhance its crime-fighting capabilities. 'This includes the strategic deployment and monitoring of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in public spaces to deter crime and assist in investigations. We are also exploring the use of data analytics to predict and prevent criminal activity,' said Fihla. The JMPD has dedicated specialized units that conduct targeted operations against specific types of crime prevalent in the CBD, such as robbery, theft, and drug-related offences. These units employ specialized skills and tactics to address these challenges effectively. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department said it has a multifaceted approach to counter the crime scourge in Joburg CBD. Image: Simphiwe Mbokazi / Independent Newspapers 'Building trust and fostering communication with the community is crucial. We are actively engaging with residents and businesses through regular meetings, sector policing initiatives, and public awareness campaigns to encourage the reporting of crime and to work together to create a safer environment,' said Fihla. 'The JMPD understands that there is still work to be done, and we are committed to a sustained and relentless effort to reduce crime in the Johannesburg CBD. We urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the JMPD at 011 375 5911 or the SAPS at 08600 10111.' [email protected] IOL News
