Picture: A man being set alight by community members/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
16 March 2026 –The police in Mooinooi are investigating cases of murder and kidnapping following an alleged incident in which a Lesotho national (35) was killed after being set alight. The police said on Thursday night, 12 March 2026, the police received a complaint that a person had been murdered at the Khlamtwna Informal Settlement.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the police attended the scene and met a woman who identified herself as the deceased’s girlfriend. Morake said she indicated that she had received information that her boyfriend had been murdered and left in nearby bushes.
“Upon arrival at the scene, police noticed flames, indicating that something was burning. A naked male body was found lying on the ground with both hands tied behind his back and the body was set alight.
“During preliminary investigations, the deceased girlfriend indicated that the victim had allegedly been forcefully apprehended by a group of unknown community members, after being accused of stealing their cattle,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, strongly condemned the incident and warned community members against taking the law into their own hands. Naidoo urged residents to report suspected criminal activities to the police so that such matters can be dealt with through proper legal processes.
“The police investigations are continuing and no arrests have been made at this stage. Anyone who may have information that can assist police in their investigations, is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Aaron Khunou on 076 565 8576, their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.
The Guardian 