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| Mpho Malekana (image supplied) |
Mpho Malekana was brutally tortured and murdered for stealing a cellphone.
The family of Mpho Malekana is pleading with the public to get justice for their son, who was brutally murdered by some community members for allegedly stealing a phone. Mpho allegedly stole a Samsung A32 phone, which cost roughly around R6000+. Although the eyewitness confirms that Mpho admitted to taking the phone and selling it, does it warrant such an atrocious action?
The sad story is narrated by the family and concerned community members who see the unjust treatment of Mpho’s brutal murder case. Mpho was held captive along with his friend, who was interviewed on the Kasi Lifestyle Makers platform. Mpho was brutalised and, put in the boot of a car, transported to where he claimed he left the phone.
In another interview on the same platform, Mpho’s father said that the prosecutor handling the case has not offered the family answers to ease their grief.
As such, all eyes are set on the justice system because this matter happened weeks ago, and there has not been any indication of solving this matter.
Many cases like this have never been recorded or received traction from the masses. So, what does this say about the justice system in South Africa? As a community of marginalised people, what needs to be done to ensure that this does not become a problem in the future?
Mpho was murdered for a petty crime which would not allow him to spend time in prison. But he suffered a misfortune fate. He was sacrificed to prove a point to never mess with the family in question.
According to the interviewees, dangerous tools were used in Mpho’s interrogation, leading him to say information that was not accurate to save himself. One who was present stated that a building plank was used to beat Mpho, which made him cough blood on the spot. Another witness made reference to a hammer used on the victim. They feel like this matter is being mishandled and demand the police to treat it as they would have someone off high profile.
With all this information revealed, there are no investigations processed regarding the matter. The community is concerned about their safety and if they can rely on the justice system should they suffer the same fate! This is an alarming issue, given that Mob justice has been a major issue in South Africa, where communities take matters into their hands to get justice. This method has been used for decades and has been alleged to have halted crimes in communities that are famous for such. However, is this the best way to seek justice?
Is there a police file in place? Why is the matter not treated with immense seriousness by the authorities? At times there are instances where cases are bought out or dockets go missing, making criminal charges against people null and void, and the perpetrators walking freely.
HMR News Updates rallies with the Malekana family to get justice for their son.
Stay tune for more updates on this matter!
