The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has warned communities to desist from resorting to violent behaviour when faced with domestic challenges following the brutal murder of 32-year-old woman that took place in a village under Ritavi policing area.
It is alleged that Tebogo Malatji was on Sunday, 24 April 2022 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.
A case of murder was opened and the 35-year-old suspect was arrested at about 09:00, following an intensive search operation by the police with 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. One member was seriously injured as a result and two police vehicles were damaged.
The suspect was eventually rescued and taken to hospital.
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 been made yet. The suspect in the murder of the said woman, will appear in Ritavi magistrate’s court as soon as he recovers.
“We strongly warn community members to desist from resorting to violence when faced with relationship challenges but must instead seek assistance that will enable them to resolve their issues,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
“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,” concluded Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects responsible for the attack on police should contact Detective Warrant Officer Ronny Baloyi on 083 330 4133 or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111or the nearest police station.
Police investigations are still continuing.
