Authorities have warned communities to refrain from mob justice and leave it to professionals.
In the North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng, the acting provincial commissioner urged community members against taking the law into their own hands.
This comes after the body of a 29-year-old Lemogang Innocent Tiro was discovered on Tuesday evening, at Gamoetsana section in Dinokana village, Lehurutshe, close to Zeerust.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said police were summoned to the location at approximately 6pm and discovered Tiro's partially burned body near his residence.
"According to unconfirmed reports, community members accused the man of being responsible for killing a 37-year-old woman on Sunday, February 2, in Gamokgatlhe section, Dinokana village. Sadly, the woman died later at a hospital in Lehurutshe. No one has been arrested and investigations into the matter are continuing," said Manyoba.
Police ask that anybody with information on the two incidents call the Lehurutshe Detective Branch Commander, Captain Molefe Letshoo, at 082 373 9682 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted using the MySAPS App
Asaneng emphasised that unacceptable actions by some members of the community would not be allowed.
Those who violate the rule of law will face appropriate consequences, he said. Aseneng encouraged the people to resolve conflicts peacefully and collaborate with police to combat crime, rather than resorting to violence and breaking the law.
In a similar case in the Eastern Cape, two men were found beaten to death in a grazing field at Lukhwethu location near Mthatha in September of 2024.
"A women went to check her neighbour’s house, she noticed two men jumping out of the window and running. She found the door slightly open, and when entering the house, she saw the body lying on the floor. She alerted the community, who allegedly chased after the two men," said police spokesperson, Siphokazi Mawisa.
IOL