LIMPOPO – The Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has warned communities to desist from resorting to violent behavior when faced with domestic challenges following the brutal murder of a 32-year-old woman in the Ritavi policing area.

Police spokesperson Lt Col Malesela Ledwaba said Tebogo Malatji was stabbed to death on Sunday (April 24), allegedly by her ex-boyfriend at Petanenge village.

“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. The victim was declared dead on the scene,” he said.

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Ledwaba added that the man was arrested today (April 26) following an intensive seach operation. “The suspect was found lying unconscious after consuming a poisonous substance in an attempt to commit suicide.”

An angry mob who were seeking vengeance on the suspect then attacked police officers 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 said police have opened a case of malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grevious 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 said.

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 crime stop number 08600 10111or the nearest police station.