INCIDENTS of arson and public violence erupted in Mbilwi village, Thohoyandou over the weekend just days after the police offered a reward of R100 000 for information that would assist in solving the murder of 60-year-old Elina Mphaphuli.
In May Mphaphuli’s mutilated body was found between some rocks, covered with a towel. Some of her body parts were missing.
According to provincial police spokesperson, Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi, residents met with an elderly woman on Sunday. She apparently gave them the names of some people she suspected of being involved in the murder.
Mulaudzi said residents escorted the woman to the Sibasa police satellite station to tell the police of this information.
“Soon after leaving the police premises, members of the community set one house belonging to an alleged suspect alight.
“Three more houses were severely damaged after they were pelted with stones. Nobody was injured during these incidents but eight people, five men and three women, were rescued and taken to the Thohoyandou police station for their own safety.
“No arrests have yet been made but cases of arson, public violence and malicious damage to property are being investigated,” Mulaudzi said.
He said provincial police commissioner Lt Genl Fannie Masemola strongly condemned such actions.
He warned that anyone who took the law into their own hands, and in so doing broke the law, would be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“The public must cooperate and supply the investigation team with information which can be verified and followed up.
“A special task team handles this case and the reward is still on offer.”
Anyone with information can contact to call Col Amos Mashaba at 082 451 7188 or call 072 083 3273. Callers can also remain anonymous by calling the police’s toll free number at 08600 10111.
