Police in Limpopo have arrested seven suspects for cases of arson and malicious damage to property following an incident where some community members deliberately set fire to the house and caused extensive damage to property on a farm in Masemola policing area on Thursday, 28 March 2024 at about 11:00.
According to the information, a group of community members joined by some of the employees on the farm went to the area armed with various objects and cut the fence to gain access. They mobilised and entered the premises and started destroying the property inside the house and thereafter set the house and two shacks alight.
The female farm owner was not present at the time of the incident, but her 29-year-old daughter, who was next to the area managed to escape unharmed and alerted the local police and emergency services.
They swiftly responded and found the situation still volatile, prompting the activation of police members from neighbouring stations.
A total of seven suspects aged between 22 and 36 were arrested. The motive behind the incident is still subject to police investigation, but it is suspected the violence was sparked by land dispute.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the incident and urged communities to address issues amicably and refrain from violent attacks.
The suspects will appear before the Nebo Magistrate’s Court on 02 April 2024.
More arrests are imminent. Anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of other suspects should contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Khaogelo Murwa, on 082 565 7398, nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use MySAPS App.
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