Limpopo - Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, has expressed shock and sadness following the brutal killing of three women and a one-year-old baby in two separate gender-based violence incidents over the weekend.
The community of Ha-Mashau, outside Levubu, is still reeling with shock after a 20-year-old man shot and killed his girlfriend and her mother.
After a fallout with his girlfriend, 19, he allegedly stole his grandfather’s firearm which was in a car, and went to his girlfriend’s home, where he shot her dead at first glance before shooting her mother, who was few metres away.
According to police, the suspect was arrested on Saturday morning at his home and has been charged with two counts of murder and theft.
He is expected to appear before the Levubu Magistrate’s Court today. The police charged the suspect’s 68-year-old grandfather with negligently handling a firearm.
In another incident, a 25-year-old suspect allegedly killed his 22-year-old girlfriend and his one-year-old infant on Sunday morning in Thabazimbi.
It is alleged the suspect went to his girlfriend’s house and demanded to see her and when she refused, he forced open the door, dragged her outside and started to assault her.
According to the police, when the victim tried to escape, the suspect threw stones at and left her unconscious. He then torched the house where the one-year-old was burnt to death.
The suspect has since fled and a serious manhunt is underway.
Masemola said: "I’m saddened to learn about these horrendous and shocking incidents. As police, we remain firm that such selfish actions shall not deter us from our determination to keep our society safe from useless criminals.
“On behalf of the police leadership, we express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim and wish the families strength and comfort during this difficult period.
"If this devious action was intended to detract us from our achievements as a province or threaten our law-abiding citizens and visitors, we will not tolerate that.
“We urge the citizens of Thabazimbi and surrounding areas, in partnership with the police, to ensure this scoundrel is speedily apprehended."
Masemola urged residents of Thabazimbi and the surrounding areas who know the whereabouts of the suspect to inform the police via the 08600 10111 or the Crime Line SMS number 32211. - SAnews.gov.za
