The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, has condemned, in the strongest possible terms the brutal killing of two women at Ha-Mashau Misevhe village A and C, in the Levubu policing area during an apparent mob justice incident on Friday, 05 July 2019.
According to the Preliminary police investigations, the brutal attacks followed a chain of events which started on 5 July 2019 at about 10:00 in the morning when the body of a reported missing 12 year old boy was retrieved from the river around Ha-Mashau village. The deceased, Abelo Muila, was reported missing on the 10 June this year, after he allegedly disappeared while playing with his friends at a local complex.
Subsequent to this discovery, the community members apparently gathered to discuss the matter. Later at about 22:00, they mobilised themselves, attacked the two women with various objects, stripped them naked before setting them alight.
The police and the medical emergency services were called following the frantic calls emanating from this area and responded quickly. On arrival at the scene, they made the gruesome discovery of the two women, badly burnt. One woman was certified dead on the scene whereas another died later in hospital. When the police arrived at the scene, the crowd had already dispersed.
Further preliminary investigation revealed that following this gruesome incident, the crowd proceeded to the yard belonging to a 79 year old man and burned all his three houses. The victim managed to escape without injuries.
The two women were identified as Mudziwa Esther whose age is not yet determined and 66 year old Hulumeni Sarah Masiagwala, both from Matsindevhe village. Two cases of murder, one of inquest and Arson were opened for investigation.
The Public Order Police (Pops) members have been deployed in the area to monitor the situation.
The Provincial Commissioner has ordered an immediate investigation into this mob justice incident and that all the necessary resources must be mobilized to, as soon as possible, track down the suspects involved.
“The police will continue to deal mercilessly with every person who resorts to taking the law into their own hands. Community members are warned to refrain from these heinous acts and that they should instead cooperate with the Police,” said Lt Gen Ledwaba.
Following the intensive investigations, the police have this afternoon arrested two suspects aged 16 and 17. More arrests are expected. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the other suspects involved in this matter is requested to contact Detective Warrant Officer Mudogwa Mutshutshu on 072 107 6731, the crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station.
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