A joint operation by Namahadi Police, Detectives, Phuthaditjhaba Crime Intelligence Gathering and the Phuthaditjhaba Public Order Police Unit (POP) has resulted in the arrest of ten suspects, including a local school principal, in connection with a mob justice murder of a 27-year-old man, Mpho Mokoena.
It is alleged that on Friday, 16 May 2025, at approximately 17:30, a group of community members, including the school principal, forcibly took Mokoena from around the Namahadi area, accusing him of stealing electrical cables and food intended for the school’s feeding scheme.
The group allegedly transported him to the school premises in an unmarked private vehicle, with some individuals reportedly impersonating police officials. Once at the school, Mokoena was handcuffed and allegedly assaulted with sjamboks in full view of some learners present at the time.
Despite a learner reportedly attempting to transport the badly injured man in a wheelbarrow, Mokoena succumbed to his injuries outside the school premises. He was later found covered with blankets and declared dead by Emergency Medical Services personnel upon their arrival.
A case of murder has been opened and is under investigation.
On Sunday, 18 May 2025, a targeted police operation was conducted in Maluti-a-Phofung. The coordinated effort by the Namahadi Visible Policing (Vispol), Detectives, Phuthaditjhaba Crime Intelligence and POP led to the successful arrest of ten suspects—five men and five women, including the school principal.
Thabo Mofutsanana Policespokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako said the suspects are expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, facing charges of murder.