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Limpopo vigilantism and gender based violence getting out of control

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

The Commissioner’s concerns stem from several acts of gender based violence 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.

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 the 34-year suspect has been arrested after he was positively linked to the incident.

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.

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.

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 of committing crimes in the area.

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.

“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,” concluded Major General Scheepers.

The suspects are expected to appear before the respective Magistrate’s Courts in due course.

Police appeal to anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspects involved in the mob justice incidents to contact the nearest police station or call the crime stop number 08600 10111.

Police investigation continues.

SAPS Newsroom

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