Limpopo police have launched a manhunt for residents of Lwamondo, Tshalovha village, who are implicated in the brutal attack and burning of a man, after he was allegedly found naked attempting to rape an elderly woman.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the mob justice incident occurred in the Vuwani policing area on Sunday.

Mashaba said the deceased, who has been identified as Singo Tshifhiwa, allegedly went into a one-roomed house where he attempted to rape an elderly woman.

The woman, however, screamed for assistance, where locals immediately responded.

“The members of the community assembled and found the deceased naked,” Mashaba said.

“The deceased, estimated to be in mid-thirties, was taken outside the house and burned to death on the street.”

Mashaba said the police were informed about the incident that was ongoing at Lwamondo, Tshalovha village and rushed to the area.

“On their arrival at the scene, they found a male victim lying on the ground with severe burning wounds on his body without any clothes and nobody at the scene.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was allegedly found in a one roomed house when he attempted to rape an elderly woman who screamed for assistance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned the mob justice incident.

Hadebe has urged communities to resist the temptation of taking the law into their own hands and report all criminal activities to the police.

“A manhunt of the unknown suspects is under way and anyone with information that can assist with their arrest should contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Randzu Mabedle on 0798496309 or crime stop number 0860010111 or nearest police station or MySAPS App,” added Mashaba.

Mashaba said the police investigations are continuing.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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