MALIPSDRIFT POLICE INVESTIGATE CASES OF ARSON , ASSAULT AND MALICIOUS DAMAGE TO PROPERTY BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS AT BODUTLULA VILLAGE
POLOKWANE: The Police in Malipsdrift under Capricorn District have opened cases of malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) following a violent incident allegedly perpetrated by community members at Bodutlula village on Friday, 24 October 2025.
According to preliminary reports, at about 08:00 a female traditional healer noticed a group of community members gathering outside her yard. The local headman later arrived and engaged with them regarding allegations reportedly made against the woman at the tribal office. After the headman left, the situation escalated.
It is alleged that some community members started throwing stones towards the complainant’s yard, injuring her relatives and causing extensive damage to property. Two motor vehicles and all eighteen (18) windows of the house were damaged during the attack.
Furthermore, it was discovered that the complainant’s house as well as a traditional consulting room (indumba) were set alight and the door damaged. The fire caused significant destruction inside the structures.
Police investigations are underway to identify and arrest the suspects involved. No arrests have been made at this stage.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned acts of mob justice and destruction of property, warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated. She further confirmed that no formal criminal cases had been reported against the complainant at the police station.
Members of the Public Order Police (POPS) have since been deployed to stabilise and monitor the situation.
Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Milo Maphoso, on 082 414 3345, or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously via the My SAPS App.
Police investigations are continuing.
