Community takes law into own hands

A 46-year-old man, accused of cattle theft, was beaten to death by Maroteng village community members and his co-accused badly injured after apparently trying to steal a herd of cattle.
Community members apparently spotted two men trying to steal a herd of cattle near the village. A chase ensured and the suspects fled, but the community members caught up with them and assaulted them. Upon arriving on the scene, the Mahwelereng police found one suspect dead and the other badly injured.
The injured man was taken to the Mokopane hospital where he was treated.
A case of cattle stock theft and murder has been opened. The injured suspect will appear in court once he is released from hospital.
The Mahwelereng police urges the community not take the law into their own hands and to rather alert the police when any criminal activities are noticed.
The police calls upon live-stock farmers to brand their live stock to deter theft.