South African police in Limpopo Province say they have launched a manhunt for people suspected to have “burnt beyond recognition” three Zimbabweans suspected to have stolen solar panels and electric cables. This latest killing of Zimbabweans has prompted Harare to dispatch a team of diplomats to investigate.
In an exclusive interview with VOA Zimbabwe Service, Limpopo Provincial spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the incident which happened September 16th, calling it “mob justice”.
Brigadier Mojapelo said, “Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects responsible for the brutal murder of yet to be identified men," adding that "the preliminary investigations that we conducted at the scene indicated that this could be Zimbabweans. They were burnt beyond recognition and that’s why we are still investigating their positive identities.”
Responding to the incident, the Zimbabwean ministry of foreign affairs said it was “distressed with sad reports of the death of our three nationals in South Africa.”
The statement further states, “We have since dispatched a Consular team to Makhado, Limpopo Province. The team managed to visit Waterval Police Station upon arrival, the Police Officers who were on the evening shift are said to have confirmed the following: 3 male Zimbabwean nationals were burnt beyond recognition in Tshavhani Village in Elim after being accused of stealing solar panels and electricity cables.”
The consular team said police had assured them that they would deploy a team to monitor and assess the situation in the community with a view to ensure that there are no further disturbances. There are reports that more than 200 Zimbabweans in the area have gone into hiding fearing attacks.
The latest incident brings to six Zimbabweans killed in the Limpopo province in the past three months. In June, three Zimbabweans identified as Arthur Moyo, Sipho Sibanda and Sadam Ncube and a South African Themba Makhubele were brutally murdered and their bodies set alight.
Brigadier Mojapelo said the four were accused by the community members of robbing a businessman and gunning him down.