A Limpopo man was killed on Tuesday morning for allegedly stealing from a local shop, before those involved in the mob justice attack then made off with the goods.
Jabu Shilubane, 32, was accused by residents of Nkomo village of stealing liquor from a bottle store in the area on Monday night.
Police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo said Shilubane was apparently spotted by residents who blocked the road.
"They [residents] pulled him out of his vehicle and drove it to the nearby sports ground. They then allegedly started assaulting him and later burned him to death. They, thereafter, allegedly looted the liquor and also torched the deceased’s motor vehicle."
The owner of the liquor outlet later opened a case of burglary of a business.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe condemned the mob attack and warned residents to desist from taking the law into their own hands.
The police are appealing to anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Captain Khazamula Mchabi on 082 729 0343 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.