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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.
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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.
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