Media Statement from Limpopo Media Centre

Corporate Communication

South African Police Service

01 December 2013   

POLOKWANE - Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola has expressed shock, sadness and outrage following the death of three women as well as for the death of a 1 year child in two separate incidents over the weekend.

On Friday evening in Ha- Mashau just outside Levubu, a mother and daughter were brutally gunned down by a jealous 20 year-old boyfriend following a domestic dispute.  It is alleged the 19 year old victim had a fallout with her boyfriend. The alleged suspect stole a firearm from a relative, went to his girlfriend's house where at first glance shot her dead outside the courtyard.  He then turned to her mother and also shot her dead a few metres from her daughter before fleeing the scene.

A manhunt was launched and the suspect was arrested on Saturday morning after he retreated to his home. The suspect has been charged with two counts of murder and theft out of a motor vehicle and is expected to make his first appearance at the Levubu Magistrate Court on Monday.  Meanwhile, his 68 year-old father grandfather has been charged with negligent handling of a firearm according to the Firearms Control Act.

In another shocking incident on Sunday a 25 year old suspect is on the loose after he allegedly killed his 22 year- old girlfriend and his 1 year-old infant on Sunday morning.

It is alleged the suspect went to his girlfriend house in Thabazimbi, Regorogile Extension, demanded to see her and when she refused, he forced open the door dragged her outside and started to assault her.  While trying to escape he pelted her with stones and left her unconscious.  He then torched the house were the 1-year-old burnt to death. The suspect has since fled and a serious manhunt is underway.

Masemola said: "I'm saddened to learn about these horrendous and shocking incidents. As police, we remain firm that such selfish actions shall not deter us from our determination to keep our society safe from useless criminals. On behalf of the police leadership, we express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim and wish the families strength and comfort during this difficult period on the loss of loved ones.

"If this devious action was intended to detract us from our achievements as a province or threaten our law-abiding citizens and visitors, we will not tolerate that. We urge the citizens of Thabazimbi and surrounding areas, in partnership with the police, to ensure these culprits are speedily apprehended," he added.

Meanwhile the Thabazimbi detectives are utilizing all resources at their disposal to speedily bring the perpetrator of this despicable crime to book, police management in the province is overseeing the investigation and keeping the Provincial Commissioner updated on progress.

"It is appalling that such hideous incidents would occur while we are commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against women and children including the disabled.  It is also appalling that that the actions of these two perpetrators should bring our entire province into disrepute in the eyes on the law abiding citizens," said Masemola. 

"There are members of the community in Thabazimbi who must be aware of the identity of the perpetrator of this barbaric act. They should do their civic duty and report any information to the police - albeit anonymously via the Crime Stop telephone number 08600 10111 or the Crime Line SMS number 32211. Let us rid our communities of murderous scoundrels, for the safety of all", added Masemola.

-End-

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