LIMPOPO ACTING PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER DENOUNCES THE BRUTAL MURDER OF WOMAN AND AN INFANT AT DAN VILLAGE IN RITAVI POLICING PRECINCT
POLOKWANE The Acting Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala strongly condemns the horrific murder of a 23-year-old woman and her 8-month-old baby boy, whose remains were tragically discovered in a burned house at Dan Village in Ritavi policing precinct, Mopani district on Thursday, 26 September 2024. The incident is believed to be related to domestic violence.
The Police Officers responding to a report of a house fire arrived to find flames consuming the structure. Tzaneen fire brigade personnel extinguished the fire, revealing two bodies burnt beyond recognition.
Preliminary investigation revealed suspicious behavior by the 27-year-old suspect prior to the fire. Witnesses reported noticing unusual actions, including moving furniture and an unusual smell emanating from the suspect’s house.
Shortly after that, they observed smoke from the house, leading to the suspect fleeing the scene.
The victims who visited the suspect from Mariveni Village, were certified dead at the scene by the emergency medical services. The suspect was apprehended with community assistance and now faces two counts of murder and domestic violence.
Police investigation is underway to determine when and how the deceased were killed.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Nkowankowa Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 30 September 2024.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner reiterated the commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
“The community members are urged to report domestic violence challenges to the police and local authorities as well as Social workers and Pastors to avoid this type of senseless incidents,” concluded Major General Manala
