Police ATTACKED by community – for saving man who killed his ex-girlfriend

Limpopo police officers were bludgeoned by outraged communities members with stones as they attempted to rescue an alleged killer. The community was fighting for the chance to issue their own “justice” to the suspect who allegedly stabbed his 32-year-old ex-girlfriend on Sunday.

A DANGEROUS LOVE

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the jilted ex-lover’s motives were to be confirmed as investigations are ongoing.

“It is alleged that Tebogo Malatji was on Sunday, 24 April at about 21:10 stabbed to death by her alleged ex-boyfriend, at Petanenge village in the Ritavi policing area. The victim was apparently walking from the shops with her friend and two children when she came across the suspect, who then stabbed her with a sharp object and thereafter fled the scene. The victim was certified dead on the scene,”

said Ledwaba.

A case of murder was opened following Malatji’s death and the 35-year-old suspect was arrested on Monday.

POLICE OPEN CHARGES AGAINST COMMUNITY

Ledwaba said the suspect’s apprehension followed an intensive search operation by the police with the assistance of the community members.

“He was reportedly found lying unconscious on the nearby mountains after he allegedly consumed a poisonous substance in an attempt to commit suicide. Some angry community members who were apparently seeking vengeance on the suspect started attacking the police officers and pelted their vehicles with stones,”

said the lieutenant colonel.

One police officer was seriously injured after the attack and two police vehicles were damaged. The suspect was eventually rescued and taken to the hospital for medical attention.

Police have opened a case of malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm against community members. No arrests have yet been made.

Malatji’s suspected killer is set to appear in Ritavi Magistrate’s Court once he recovers.

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GBV AND VIGILANTISM WARNING

Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe cautions residents to desist from resorting to violence when faced with domestic challenges.

“Additionally, the tendency of some community members who take the law into their own hands is viewed in a very serious light and all the suspects that are linked to the attack on our members and damaging the state resources during the vigilante incident will be hunted down and brought to book. Community members must desist from taking the law into their own hands but must instead work with the police to fight crime,”

says Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.