A woman (32) was brutally murdered at Petanenge village in the Rivati policing area. The situation got out of hand when furious community members seeking revenge, turned on police, injuring an officer and damaging two vehicles.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, warns that communities must stop resorting to violent behaviour when faced with domestic challenges and says that those responsible for the attack on the police will be brought to book.

Police spokesperson, Luitenant Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, says Tebogo Malatji was stabbed to death on Sunday, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend.

“The victim was walking from the shop with her friend and two children when the suspect stabbed her with a sharp object and fled the scene. She was declared dead on the scene,” he says.

Ledwaba adds that the man was arrested on Tuesday after police launched an intensive search operation.

“The suspect was found lying unconscious after consuming a poisonous substance in an attempt to commit suicide.”

An angry mob who was seeking vengeance on the suspect attacked police officers on the scene and pelted their vehicles with stones.

“One police member was seriously injured, and two police vehicles were damaged. The suspect was eventually rescued and taken to hospital. He will appear before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court as soon as he recovers.”

Ledwaba says police have opened a case of malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm against community members. No arrests have been made yet.

“The tendency of communities who take the law into their own hands is viewed in a very serious light and all suspects linked to the attack on our members and damaging the state resources will be hunted down and brought to book,” Hadebe warns.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects responsible for the attack on the police can contact Detective Warrant Officer Ronny Baloyi on 083 330 4133, the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.