Mob Justice Escalates: ‘Child Snatcher’ Killed as Five Face Charges in Court
Polokwane – Five suspects apprehended in relation to a mob justice incident, where a man accused of luring a 9-year-old with “R10 for sweets” was fatally assaulted, are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, 14 September 2025.
The mob justice event took place in Makgaung village, Limpopo, a week ago, after local residents pursued and apprehended the suspect near the sports ground.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba provided details about the unfortunate event, stating that the suspect allegedly offered a nine-year-old from Makgaung Village R10 to buy sweets before fleeing with the child.
IOL reports that community members became suspicious and initiated a chase.
IOL quoted Colonel Ledwaba saying: “He reportedly left the child behind and ran towards the stream, where the community continued to chase him.”
“The suspect was reportedly found hiding in the stream and was struck with stones by the group until he succumbed to his injuries.”
“Police and emergency medical services were summoned to the scene, where the individual was pronounced dead.”
During the weekend, police announced, “five suspects, aged between 30 and 40, in connection with the brutal killing of an unidentified man during a mob justice incident on Tuesday night, 9 September 2025, in Polokwane City.”
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that 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 essential role in providing vital information that led to the arrests.
“This development highlights the importance of strong partnerships between law enforcement and communities,” stated Lieutenant General Hadebe.
“While mob justice incidents continue to be a significant concern in the province, this case demonstrates that by working together within the law, we can ensure that offenders are brought to justice instead of allowing lawlessness to prevail.”
The five suspects are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 September 2025, on a murder charge.
Colonel Ledwaba indicated that investigations are still underway.