Limpopo police arrest three for brutal murder of young couple
The young couple were murdered in their home in October 2020. Their 12-month-old baby girl was found next to their bodies, crying.
LIMPOPO – Police have arrested three suspects for the brutal murder of a young couple from Bolobedu outside Tzaneen. The men were arrested over the weekend during an intelligence-driven operation, said Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo.
The couple, Lucia Malapane (18) and her partner, Nius Malatjie (21), were found stabbed to death in the bedroom of their home in ga-Rapitsi Village, Itireleng Section near Bolobedu on 6 October 2020. Their bodies were found by the man’s employer, who is also said to be their neighbour.
“He reportedly went to the house at about 12:00 to check on Malatji, after he failed to report for work. Upon arrival, he heard the frantic cries of a baby and called out. When no one responded he entered the house and found the couple lying on the bed in a bedroom. Their 12-month-old baby girl was next to them,” Mojapelo explained.
The deceased had both sustained multiple injuries.
A murder investigation was opened and the police offered a R200 000 reward to anyone who supplied the police with information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) involved.
“Intensive investigations into the murders continued and the three men were arrested on Sunday, 14 March. During the arrest, the police found items which belonged to the deceased couple, in their possession.”:
The men, aged between 34 and 47, are expected to appear in the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court on charges of housebreaking with the intent to commit a crime, two counts of murder, rape and robbery.
At the time the double murder sparked widespread violent protests by the residents in the area. The residents accused a local businessman of being responsible for the murder and went on a rampage, and torched his business premises just outside Modjadjiskloof as well as a motor vehicle. They then proceeded to his house, where they set it alight and in the process, killed livestock, including chickens, goats and pigs,” said Mojapelo.
The police have made no arrests as yet in connection with the mob justice attack.
Anyone with information about their of the incidents is requested to contact Lt Col Richard Boshomane at 079 894 5501. Alternatively, they can also contact the 24-hour Crime Stop number at 086 0010 111 or their nearest police station.
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