Cops launch haunt for suspects after Thabong man brutally killed in mob justice

The Welkom police are looking for relatives of Pule Mthimkhulu following his death during a mob justice incident on Monday, December 5, at St Helena, Welkom.

According to the Lejweleputswa district police spokesperson, captain Stephen Thakeng, the deceased allegedly assaulted a 25-year-old woman with a knobkerrie and attempted to rob her off her cellphone.

“The woman then screamed for help which led to the arrival of unknown community members who chased, got ahold of, and assaulted the deceased,” added Thakeng.

Apparently, the woman went back home and upon her return, she found a group of people along with the man who allegedly attempted to rob her lying on the ground and heavily beaten.

“While he was still on the ground, the man said his name was Pule Mthimkhulu,” informed Thakeng.

The police and ambulance were called who then took the man to the hospital. He was unconscious until he passed away as a result of his injuries.

A murder case has been registered for further investigation. The body is currently at the Welkom Forensic Pathology Services and nobody has come forward to claim the deceased’s body.

The Lejweleputswa district commissioner, major general Lerato Molale, pleads with residents not to take the law into their own hands, but to hand over the people suspected of commission of crime to the police to conduct thorough investigations.

“Anyone with information to trace relatives of the deceased may contact detective warrant officer Riaan De Lange of Welkom Serious and Violent Crimes on 0828219227. Alternatively, they may contact the crime stop number 08600 10111.