Mob killing in Limpopo sparks police warning after Zimbabwean man dies

Mob killing in Limpopo sparks police warning after Zimbabwean man dies

A suspected case of mob justice in rural Limpopo has ended in tragedy, prompting police to issue a strong warning to communities against taking the law into their own hands.

A Zimbabwean national accused of stealing electric cables died in hospital after he was allegedly assaulted by community members in Lefara Village, within the Maake policing area.

The incident has reopened difficult conversations in the province about vigilante violence, cable theft, and the growing tension between crime-weary communities and law enforcement.

What police found at the scene

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.

Police were called to Lefara Village following reports of a mob attack. When officers arrived, they found a group of community members gathered around a man lying on the ground with serious injuries.

An ambulance was immediately summoned, and the injured man was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Before he was taken away, police managed to speak briefly to the victim, who was later identified as a Zimbabwean national living in Bridgeway Village.

Accusations of cable theft

Preliminary information suggests the man was assaulted after being accused by community members of stealing electric cables a crime that has repeatedly left villages without power and fuelled frustration across parts of Limpopo.

Cable theft has long been a flashpoint in many rural areas, where residents say outages affect businesses, access to water, and basic daily life. In some cases, anger has spilled over into vigilante action.

Victim dies hours later

Later that evening, police confirmed that the man succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical care. Emergency Medical Services declared him dead at the hospital.

A murder case has since been opened, and investigations are ongoing.

Police condemn mob justice

Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe strongly condemned the attack, warning that mob justice is a serious criminal offence.

She stressed that taking the law into one’s own hands undermines the justice system and places innocent lives at risk.

Hadebe urged residents to report suspected criminal activity to the police rather than resorting to violence, saying law enforcement must be allowed to deal with allegations through lawful channels.

Community reaction and wider concern

News of the incident has drawn concern on social media, with many South Africans expressing fear over the rise of vigilante attacks, while others questioned how communities can be better protected from cable theft without resorting to violence.

The case highlights a familiar and uncomfortable reality: the clash between communities desperate for safety and services, and the legal boundaries meant to protect everyone including suspects.

Call for information

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to contact:

• Investigating officer: Constable Madibeng Mahlo on 082 319 9742

• Their nearest police station

• Crime Stop: 08600 10111

• Or via the MySAPS App

As the investigation continues, police have reiterated that justice cannot be delivered by mobs, and that violence only deepens the harm already felt by communities struggling with crime.