One person was killed, and another injured in a stock theft incident in Verena, Mpumalanga.
Two males were cornered and assaulted by an unidentified group of people after they were found with livestock believed to have been stolen.
One of the alleged suspects died and the other sustained injuries.
The incident occurred in Verena on Christmas eve.
Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, expressed concern over incidents of stock theft and urged members of the community to refrain from buying suspected stolen properties.
About 26 cattle, six goats, and a donkey were allegedly stolen by the suspects.
Their bakkies were set alight.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene, and investigations are underway.
Picture: Suburban Control Centre