Police in Limpopo concerned by senseless killings and GBV cases

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers has expressed concerns about cases of mob justice and gender-based violence (GBV) that are mushrooming in the province and has ordered an immediate probe into all the cases.

POLICE HEAD WORRIED ABOUT ESCALATING LEVELS OF GBV AND CRIME

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the Commissioner’s concerns stem from several acts of gender-based violence (GBV) in which some people lost their lives in the most gruesome way following apparent domestic disputes. Moreover, in cases of vigilantism, the lives of people who were suspected of having committed crimes were lost.

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THE LIST OF HEART-WRENCHING CASES IN LIMPOPO

Ledwaba broke down the senseless cases of murder and GBV:

1. On Saturday, 29 April 2023, a 58-year-old woman was found killed and her body burned beyond recognition at her home in Moletlane outside Zebediela. The charred remains of Betty Nurse Hlabela were discovered inside a bathtub at about 13:00 in the afternoon. Police opened a case of murder and a 34-year suspect was arrested after he was positively linked to the incident.

2. In another incident that took place on the same day, a 30-year-old woman was arrested after he allegedly stabbed and killed her partner aged 29 in Elandskraal in an apparent domestic violence.

3. The two incidents were followed by a gruesome incident that took place in Thabampshe village in Masemola policing area, where a 55-year-old man was arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a 2-year-old boy on Sunday, 30 April 2023. The suspect allegedly came home late drunk and started a fight with his niece (child’s mother). The uncle allegedly grabbed the child and smashed his head against the floor where he succumbed to the injuries on arrival at the hospital due to head injuries.

“There are also several cases of vigilantism that have been reported across the province which police are currently investigating and still tracing the suspects.”

Ledwaba

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4. Police on Sunday, 30 April 2023 at about 19:00, responded to a complaint of mob justice where community members at Mashau Thondoni outside Levubu assaulted an unknown man and thereafter burned his body. This after they accused him of committing crimes in the area.

5. Police in Giyani are also investigating a case of murder, arson and malicious damage to property that took place at Shivulani village on Saturday, 29 April 2023. The angry community allegedly burned two spaza shops, a tavern and three vehicles after the owner allegedly shot and killed a 26-year-old man at the tavern. The businessman aged 36 has since been arrested and charged with murder.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT SAYS THERE IS NO ROOM FOR ATTACKS AND ABUSE

“There is no justification whatsoever in acts of mob justice by members of the communities and the same goes for perpetrators of gender-based violence and perpetrators of such crimes will face the full might of the law.”

Major General Scheepers

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Colonel Ledwaba added that the suspects are expected to appear before the respective Magistrate’s Courts in due course.

This is a developing story.