Three people suspected of being goat thieves were stoned to death and their vehicle torched by the mob in Mafefe village, Limpopo. Another man, a pedestrian, was killed when the alleged thieves knocked him down when they were trying to escape from the mob. Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said the police were called after community members were seen chasing a motor vehicle all the way from Mecklenburg Their preliminary investigations indicated that a pedestrian identified, originally from Lesotho, died on the scene when he was knocked down by the men's car.

COMMUNITY FED UP

The community in the area says they are being targeted by thieves as they are far from the police station and their houses are isolated. Resident Alpheus Mphahlele said they resort to mob justice as the police never arrest the perpetrators. "The thieves steal our livestock at night and or in the field where we send our goats to graze. We will do anything to protect them. Most of us in villages are substantial farmers and we depend on these goats to feed our families," Mphahle said.Another community member who didn't want to be named said as much as the thieves strip them.of their livelihood nothing should justify taking a life in such a horrible manner.

?

UNKNOWN BAKKIE DRIVERS TARGETTED

It's alleged that bakkie drivers who are seen driving in the area are always suspected of being thieves.In July, a college lecturer Siphiwe Zondo (43) was mistaken for a goat thief and brutally murdered in Mamolo village, outside Lebowakgomo. Zondo was driving back home with goats on his bakkie, when he stopped at a local spaza shop to buy a cool drink when locals accused him of having stolen the goats. The father of two tried to explain and show them proof of purchase, but he was assaulted, stoned and burnt alive. His car was also torched. Zondo had been in the business of buying goats in Limpopo where he worked since 2011 and selling them back in his home.province of KwaZulu-Natal. He had just bought the goats to take them to KZN when he was murdered. Provincial Commissioner has called on residents to desist from mob justice but to work with the police to ensure criminals are uprooted and face the full might of the law.The police are also asking with anyone with information that can assists in arresting the suspect to contact Detective Sergeant Jim Mophoso on 0824457724 or the crime stop number.