By Thys Khiba – A man was badly beaten in an apparent vigilante incident for allegedly robbing a woman on the weekend at Zone 8 in Meqheleng near Ficksburg in Free State.
This comes after a Lesotho national allegedly attacked and attempted to rob a woman with an unlicensed firearm on Sunday, 19 February 2023 at about 02:30.
“The female victim sustained a wound on her forehead after she was beaten by suspect with a firearm. The community in the area came to her rescue and attacked the suspect, aged 28, and police were alerted,” said Free State police spokesperson W/O Mmako Mophiring.
The suspect was found in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. It was discovered that his firearm had no serial number.
The suspect was arrested and taken to local hospital under the supervision of the SAPS for further medical treatment.
“A case of attempted robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and for contravening the Immigration Act, has been opened,” said Mophiring.
The suspect will appear in the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court as soon as he is discharged from the hospital.
Meanwhile, on the same day another Lesotho National succumbed to injuries sustained in a separate incident.
The 28-year-old man was killed at about 17:50 in Extension 11 Meqheleng for an unknown motive.
Police found the deceased surrounded by at least 100 community members.
“The motive behind is still unknown thus far. A case of murder is being investigated. No arrest has been made yet. Police investigations continue,” said Mophiring.
SAPS
A warning was sent to community members not to resort to mob justice as ‘it is not a solution to address any form of crime.’
CENTRAL NEWS
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