Zim escape: Police hunt for suspect in Limpopo woman’s murder
Police are searching for a man who fled to Zimbabwe after his wife's body, with multiple gunshot wounds, was found on the N1 in Kromdraai in the Free State.
POLOKWANE – The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned the brutal killing of a 29-year-old woman, who was allegedly shot by her husband in the Free State before he fled to Zimbabwe.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the police in Musina received a tip-off from a tracking company on Monday (January 20) about a white Ford Ranger with Limpopo registration plates.
The vehicle had been parked at a residence in Campbell and its owner had been reported missing under the Moroka SAPS in Gauteng on January 17 along with his wife.
“Upon arrival at the residence, police questioned the homeowner, who revealed that he had been asked by the male suspect to store the vehicle. The suspect is said to have borrowed a large sum of money to cross into Zimbabwe for spiritual assistance, citing workplace-related issues,” his statement read.
Ledwaba said the following was found in the vehicle: Two empty rifle cartridges, three empty 9mm pistol cartridges, one fragment of 9mm ammunition, six live 9mm rounds, two black 9mm pistol magazines (one with 15 rounds and one empty) as well as a pair of black gloves.
“Further investigation revealed that the vehicle’s owner was accompanied by a man when he dropped off the vehicle at about 22:00 on January 17.”
On January 22, police arrested a 24-year-old man at his residence in the Tshamutumbu area.
“The arrest, which was part of an intelligence-driven operation conducted by Musina police and the Vala Umgodi MAJOC Roving Team, led to the recovery of two firearms, including a hunting rifle and accompanying ammunition. Later that day, the woman’s body was discovered in the bushes near the N1 in Kromdraai, Free State, at approximately 11:15. She had suffered multiple gunshot wounds,” Ledwaba said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who was supposed to be travelling with the deceased, had been alone when he passed through the Verkeerdeveli Toll Gate on January 17.
“We are now searching for the deceased’s husband, Dakalo Nemangwele (34) to assist with the investigation. Members of the public who may have information are urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Shuhani Rendani on 082 414 6683, call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPSApp.”
