Vhembe mayor condemns brutal attack on family

LIMPOPO – The escalating crime rate in the Vhembe region came under scrutiny when Mayor Freda Nkondo, accompanied by delegates, including local councillors, paid a courtesy visit to the bereaved Khoza family in Malamulele on Thursday.

Nkondo condemned the killing of 22-year-old Laveko Khoza, a Gr 12 learner at EPP Mhinga Secondary School, and the brutal rape of his 17-year-old sister during an attack on their home in the early hours last Monday morning, around 02:30. The perpetrators also assaulted the family’s 12-year-old son and tied up both parents during the ordeal.

In addition to the violence, the intruders fled with several household items, including a television set, cellphones, laptops, bicycles, a chainsaw, and a grinder.

“I send my condolences to the Khoza family for their loss and the acts committed against them. I urge all stakeholders to come together, support the Khoza family, and devise ways to fight crime within our communities, including throughout the Vhembe Municipality,” said Nkondo.

She acknowledged that crime statistics in the district are alarmingly high and stressed the need for immediate, sustainable solutions. Nkondo further encouraged communities to form street committees to assist with night patrols and strengthen safety at grassroots level.

Family spokesperson Erick Makondo described the pain the family is experiencing. “We are broken. Laveko was so young, still in school. As a family, we were hopeful about his future. He might have been someone who would uplift this community and his loved ones.”

In response to the public outcry and protests that followed the incident, provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe called for calm during demonstrations in the Malamulele policing area last Wednesday.

She assured the public that robust systems are in place to investigate the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. Specialised police units, including the tactical response team, the provincial investigation task team and the murder and robbery unit, have been deployed to the area and are making notable progress.

“The concerns raised in the community’s memorandum will be addressed urgently. We ask the public to give the police space to conduct thorough investigations. Stabilising the situation remains a top priority,” she stated.

Tensions, however, remain high. One suspect was arrested after a violent outburst outside the police station, where officers were forced to use rubber bullets to disperse an unruly crowd. More arrests may follow.

In a development, four individuals believed to be linked to the attack were targeted in a mob justice incident last Wednesday night. One of the individuals died from injuries sustained in the attack. Police have opened a case of murder and three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

At the time of going to press, arrangements for the funeral and memorial services of Laveko Khoza were still being finalised.