Premier Thandi Modise condemns Tigane vigilantism
North West Premier Thandi Modise has condemned the alleged assault, kidnapping and torching of a housebreaking suspect by five men who appeared in the Hartbeesfontein Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible vigilantism as it leads to lawlessness and revenge attacks by persons who feel aggrieved by the actions of those who conduct Kangaroo courts and give themselves the roles of judges and executioners. This barbarism should be stamped out before innocent lives are lost,” said Premier Modise.
“Those who take the law unto themselves instead of reporting crime to authorities in the criminal judiciary system have no place in our society which is governed by the rule of law,” highlighted Modise.
According to police Mangaliso Bonde, 29, Zamani Bonde, 26, George Bonde, 32, Thembi Xandibe, 23, and William Sitele, 19 allegedly went to Jan Lephadi's house in Tigane on Saturday and accused him of breaking into their houses.
“They allegedly searched Lephadi's house, but could not find anything and purportedly assaulted and dragged him to his grandmother's place to recover the items they accused him of stealing. When they could not find anything, two of the men allegedly locked Lephadi in the boot of a car and drove him to a bushy area,” said Captain Pelonomi Makau.
They allegedly poured petrol over him and set him alight, Makau said. Lephadi managed to take off his t-shirt and rolled on the ground to extinguish the fire. He sustained burns to his head and back. The five are expected to appear in court on 4 February for bail application, Makau said.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Provincial Head of Communication & Spokesperson: Office of the Premier
Cell: 083 629 1987
Tel: 018 388 3705
E-mail: Lkgwele@gmail.com
