Zoutnet
Wednesday October 18, 2023
The late Lavhelesani Sidogi (18) from Tshikhwani, who was beaten to death by an angry mob for allegedly trying to rob a Somalian business owner at his shop. Photo supplied.
A young man who allegedly attempted to rob a Somali businessman in Madombidzha on 5 October met a gruesome fate at the hands of an angry mob, who attacked him with an assortment of weapons.
The man has been identified as Lavhelesani Sidogi (18) from Tshikhwani.
An anonymous source told Limpopo Mirror that three young boys had allegedly tried to rob the shop owner, producing a toy gun. The shop owner, not cooperating with their request, started fighting the boys and grabbed one of them. The other two ran away, and the shop owner screamed for help from the community, who rushed to his aid.
The incident happened at around 16:30. The source said the young man, badly beaten, was left writhing in pain on the road, with no one helping him. Even when paramedics arrived at the scene, the community refused to let them assist him. "It was good that the man had been beaten to death. These criminals think they can do as they wish in the community. We are tired of crime, and the rule of law is taking us nowhere. Beating or killing them will send a strong message out there that whoever wants to indulge in crime should think twice before doing so," said the source.
Ms. Rosinah Sadiki, the victim's grandmother, was devastated, saying that they were not even sure what had happened. "We have tried to find out where he had stolen goods from and what had happened to the goods he was said to have robbed at the shop, but no one is prepared to show us the loot," she said.
The police spokesperson, Lt. Col. Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed the incident and said they had opened a murder case. He sternly warned the community against taking the law into their own hands. "Mob justice is a crime on its own. We urge communities to hand criminals over to the police, who can ensure they are arrested and prosecuted," he said.
The police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with their investigations. They can contact the Tshilwavhusiku SAPS or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
This killing has not only affected the victim's family, but many community members are questioning the vicious steps taken against alleged criminals. After Sidogi's death, social media platforms were abuzz with comments, with many condemning mob-justice practices.
Sidogi will be buried at Tshikhwani on Saturday, 14 October. The service starts at 06:00.