12 arrested after foreign national allegedly beaten to death over livestock theft
Twelve people, including ten foreign nationals, have been arrested and charged with murder after a foreign national shepherd was allegedly beaten to death by a mob at the Mashaeng Commonage near Fouriesburg.
Twelve people, including ten foreign nationals and two South Africans, have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a shepherd who was reportedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing a lamb in Mashaeng, South Africa. The incident took place at the Mashaeng Commonage near Fouriesburg in the Free State. Police found the shepherd dead with multiple bruises and injuries in the area, with only his head and legs found near a local dam.
The shepherd is believed to have slaughtered the lamb and thrown part of the carcass into the water. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring stated that an initial suspect was found in possession of the accused's cellphone, leading to the arrest of 11 additional suspects. The 12 suspects, aged between 24 and 59, are now charged with murder.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thabang Lesia condemned the incident, emphasizing that the law should not be enacted through mob justice. The suspects are expected to appear in court and face murder charges, with police urging community members to report criminal activities to ensure proper investigations.
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