The police in Hoedspruit under Mopani District have moved swiftly to arrest a 35-year-old suspect from Jane Furse after he allegedly committed two counts of murder and rape at the Silver Oaks village.
The crimes were committed during the early hours of Saturday morning, 30 December 2023 at around 00:18.
According to preliminary information, the police were notified of a murder from Willows clinic, and they quickly rushed there and upon arrival, they found a 37-year-old woman with stab wounds on the neck.
The information suggests that the sister to the deceased told police that her sister told her before she died that she was stabbed together with her daughter by a 35-year-old suspect who is also alleged to be a prophet. The daughter of the deceased (20) was also found in the sitting room half naked with a stab wound on the neck with a sign of being raped and was certified dead as well.
Upon searching the house, the deceased’s five-years-old younger brother was found tied with tape in his room.
Preliminary investigation was conducted, resulting in the suspect being traced at his girlfriend place in the Oaks. Unfortunately, he was not found at the time but was tracked successfully at the hiking spot along the road. He was then arrested swiftly and detained at Hoedspruit police station.
The motive behind the killing is unknown at this stage. However, it is alleged that the 37-year-old woman used to consult at the suspect since he was practicing as a prophet.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the swift apprehension of the suspect following the harrowing ordeal “We commend the police for reacting promptly to arrest the suspect masquerading as a Prophet. All these men tormenting and killing women in our respective spaces must be isolated and subjected to a Criminal Justice System. This will send a strong warning that anyone who torments women and children, irrespective of their social standing in society, will be dealt with accordingly,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Police investigations are continuing and the suspect is expected to appear at Hoedspruit Magistrates’ court soon, facing charges of two counts of murder and rape.
