Public violence will not be tolerated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo
The South African Police Service in Limpopo has noted with serious concern the escalating violence that has erupted at several places in Limpopo over the past few days. In the latest incident at Moshengo village near Maake, five houses were set alight and destroyed by a group of people after five suspects were arrested for a the murder of a 20 year old man which took place just before Christmas.
The deceased and the suspects were drinking together at a tavern when an argument ensued. The deceased left and walked home but the group of suspects followed him and dragged him into his house where he was stabbed several time.
Three suspects were arrested shortly after the incident and the last two suspects yesterday (Sunday). Last night member of the community mobilised and burnt the houses of suspects and their relatives. In total six houses were destroyed in the fire – nobody sustained serious injuries.
On Saturday evening, members of the community of Rapahlelo village at Sekgosese assaulted and burnt a man they accused him of being responsible for the death of a 25 year old man whose body was found in the streets of the village on Christmas day.
At Giyani, members of the community at Mapuve village set alight the house and vehicles of a 45 year-old man they accused of being responsible for the disappearance of a 5 year-old boy.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola has condemned these incidents in the strongest of terms and said that the police will not tolerate any lawless and violent behaviour in cases where properties are damaged, people assaulted or killed or any form of intimidation.
“Those taking part in this heinous and abhorrent crimes will be dealt with swiftly, tough and decisively, he said. We will work hand in hand with other stakeholders such as the Department of Justice to make sure that those arrested will face the full might of the law and that maximum sentences are ensured.”
A specialised task team with highly trained and experienced officers has been formulated to investigate these incidents. Thus far, a total of 22 suspects have been arrested at Mapuve on charges of public violence, arson and malicious damage to property. They are expected to appear at Giyani Magistrate Court on Tuesday.
Five suspects have been arrested at Sekgosese. It has come to light that one of the suspects arrested died while being incarcerated and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been informed and investigation are already underway to determine the cause of death. The remaining four suspects will appear in court soon.
No arrests have yet been made following the incident at Maake but investigations are underway. Members of the Public Order Unit have been deployed in all the areas to monitor the situation and prevent further lawlessness and the situation at all three places are currently quiet and under control.
For enquiries:
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi
Cell: 082 373 2408
