LIMPOPO – More arrests are expected after the arrest of two teenagers in connection with the death of two women during a mob attack, as well as an arson attack on a 79-year-old man’s house on Friday, 5 July.
The two women were killed in Ha-Mashau Misevhe village A and C, in the Levubu policing area. Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe explained that the attacks followed the retrieval of a missing 12-year-old boy’s body from the river near the village. The boy, Abelo Muila, was reported missing on 10 June after he disappeared while playing with his friends.
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The community subsequently mobilised before attacking the women, stripping them naked and setting them alight.
Police and the medical emergency services responded and on arrival, they found the two women, badly burnt. One woman was certified dead on the scene and the other later died in hospital. Ngoepe says the crowd had dispersed when the police arrived.
Further investigations revealed that following the attack, the crowd proceeded to the yard belonging to a 79-year-old man and set three houses alight. He managed to escape without injuries.
“The two women were identified as Esther Mudziwa and Sarah Hulumeni from Matsindevhe village. Two cases of murder and one case of arson were opened for investigation.”
Public Order Police were deployed to the area to monitor the situation.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, has since, ordered an immediate investigation into the attack, saying all necessary resources must be used to track down the suspects involved.
“The police will continue to deal mercilessly with every person who resorts to taking the law into their own,” he said.
On Saturday, 6 July, police had arrested two teenagers, aged 16 and 17-years-old respectively and Ngoepe says more arrests are expected.
Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of other suspects are requested to contact Detective Warrant Officer Mudogwa Mutshutshu at 072 107 6731, the crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station.
