Ndudi Anyim
Three suspects have been arrested by operatives of the South Africa Police Service (SAPS), for killing a couple at Ga-Rapitsi village in Bolobedu outside Tzaneen.
The couple, Lucia Malapane, aged 18 and Nius Malatjie, aged 21, were found dead by their employer, a businessman simply identified as Malatjie, on October 6, 2020.
Malatjie was accused of being responsible for the killing, as his farm and house were razed down by villagers who suspected him.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a statement.
Ledwaba said the suspects were arrested following an intelligence driven operation that was conducted by members of the Provincial Investigating Team and other Units, including the local Detectives.
He said the suspects, aged between 34 and 47 have appeared before Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court with charges bothering on house breaking with intent to commit two counts of murder, rape and robbery.
The Police Chief said the motive for the brutal murders will be determined by the on-going police investigations.
He said: “ The businessman, aged 47, had apparently gone to the house to find out why his employee did not report for work that morning when he made the gruesome discovery. The couple’s 12-month-old baby was found sitting next to the bodies.
“ The matter was reported to the Police and on arrival at the scene, the deceased were found with gruesome injuries. The initial investigations were then immediately activated.
“ These murders sparked widespread violent protests by community members in the area, after they accused the said businessman of being responsible for the brutal murder of the young couple.
“The angry mob from this village went on the rampage, torching the businessman’s shop and one motor vehicle. They proceeded to his house, burnt it and in the process, killed some livestock including chickens, goats and pigs. The suspects then fled the scene and no arrests were made so far.
“ The intense police investigations into the killings continued until the three suspects were arrested. The suspects were found in possession of some items belonging to the deceased.”
Ledwaba urged anyone with information to contact Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501 or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest Police station.