Man killed in brutal mob attack was ‘framed’, says grieving mother

THE FAMILY of a 25-year-old man who was brutally killed in a suspected mob attack near Lerato Park believes he was falsely accused of housebreaking and is demanding justice, as no arrests have yet been made.

Xolani Shabangu’s body was discovered abandoned and covered in grass in the veld near Homelite on June 1. His bereaved family believes he was framed for a break-in and that he died an unjust, violent death at the hands of a group of community members.

According to his mother, Lorraine Kori, Shabangu sustained severe head injuries.

“His face was swollen and there was a deep gash on his head,” she said. “There was a white substance smeared over his mouth. It’s believed that he was assaulted on May 31 between 5am and 7am, and that he was screaming the whole time because he was suffering and in pain. It looks like his body was dragged under a tree in the veld following the ruthless assault.”

Kori questioned the claims that her son had broken into a house and said no evidence of any crime had been presented to the family.

“Where are the stolen items? They say it was school clothes and women’s clothing - things that do not have a high value. Where is the panga that they accused my son of carrying? How do we know that it wasn’t, in fact, the murder weapon and it has also not yet been recovered?”

Kori said that the police had informed them that Shabangu was chased and assaulted by a group of community members. She added that someone had come to the family’s home before the incident, calling Shabangu and accusing him of assaulting his son with a panga.

“No arrests have been made yet, and we want justice for his death. Someone came to the family home looking for my son before he was killed. He called him by his nickname and accused him of assaulting his son with a panga. My son did not have a violent nature, and he is the only person who was mortally injured in this entire matter.” 

She explained that Shabangu had moved into his own home near Bobo se Plaas about seven months ago and was unemployed at the time of his death.

“My son died a cruel and senseless death, and there’s a real chance that no one will be held accountable.  I am completely heartbroken at the loss of my eldest son.”

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane confirmed that the Roodepan SAPS Detectives are investigating a murder case following the discovery of a 25-year-old man’s body in the veld near Homelite on May 31.

“It is alleged that the deceased was chased and assaulted by community members after allegedly committing a housebreaking,” said Shemane. “No arrests have been made. Police investigations are ongoing.”

He added that the police are appealing to members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation. Detective Sergeant Vincent Phiri can be contacted on 082 495 4625, or via the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Tips can also be submitted using the MySAPS app. 

“All information will be treated confidentially,” Shemane assured.