Limpopo province is reeling from a shocking incident in which a police officer allegedly shot and killed his estranged wife, also a police sergeant, before being brutally killed by an enraged community in an act of vigilante justice. The tragic events unfolded at Nkuna Kraal Mall in Nkuzana village, Mopani District, on Saturday afternoon, leaving a six-year-old child to witness the horrific ordeal.
According to police reports, Hlanganani police were called to the scene at approximately 3 pm following reports of two murders. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba detailed the preliminary findings, stating that the female sergeant was with two friends and her young child when her estranged husband, a fellow police officer, approached her. The couple had reportedly been separated for around seven months.
"According to the reports, the female victim (Sergeant) was out with two adults and her six-year-old child when her husband, with whom they had been separated for around seven months, approached her," Ledwaba confirmed.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that a heated argument erupted between the couple. The situation escalated rapidly, with the husband allegedly drawing his service firearm and shooting his wife in the upper body. The brutal act was witnessed by horrified onlookers, including the couple's young child.
"It is alleged that a heated argument ensued between them, resulting in the husband taking a service firearm and shooting the victim in the upper body," Ledwaba explained.
As the suspect attempted to flee the scene, the community members who had witnessed the horrific act gave chase. Overcome with rage and grief, they apprehended the officer before he could escape. In a display of vigilante justice, the community members assaulted the man and set him alight next to his vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently "burnt beyond recognition," according to police reports.
"When he attempted to run to the vehicle to flee the scene, the community who observed the entire incident chased and assaulted him, setting him alight next to his vehicle. The vehicle was, as a result, burnt beyond recognition," Ledwaba stated.
Police were notified of the incident, and murder cases have been registered. The deceased male was identified as a sergeant attached to Thohoyandou K9 unit, while the deceased female was a sergeant assigned to the Beit Bridge port of entry.
The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from both the police force and the wider community. Provincial Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed her shock and dismay at the tragic events.
"I am shocked by the incident," Hadebe stated. She also urged community members to resolve their domestic disputes peacefully by seeking professional help rather than resorting to .
"The SAPS has in place Employee Health and Wellness programmes that are offered free of charge. We call upon members of SAPS to make use of these services that are at their disposal," Hadebe emphasised.
Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward. Detective Sergeant Stanley Chauke can be contacted at 072 554 3141. Information can also be reported to the nearest police station, the toll-free number 08600 10111, or through the MySAPSApp.
The police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Giyani Business Robbery and Murder
In a separate incident in the Mopani District, police in Giyani have launched a manhunt for suspects involved in a business robbery that resulted in the death of a customer. The incident occurred at a business outlet in Xikukwani village outside Giyani on Thursday morning.
According to reports, four suspects, three males and one female, entered the shop pretending to be customers. They were armed with firearms.
The suspects proceeded to rob customers of an undisclosed amount of money and cellphones. They then targeted the tellers, stealing money from the cash registers. During the robbery, a male customer, identified as 54-year-old Jimmy Hlungwani, was shot and injured while queueing at the cash-point. The suspects also stole his car keys.
Hlungwani was immediately taken to hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries.
Police are appealing to anyone with information about the robbery or the suspects involved to contact the nearest police station or call the toll-free number 08600 10111. Information can also be shared through the MySAPSApp.
These two incidents have highlighted concerns about and safety in the Limpopo province. Authorities are urging community members to work together with the police to combat and ensure the safety of all residents. The police have urged anyone with information that can assist in identifying the suspects to contact the nearest police station or toll-free number 08600 10111 or to share information on MySAPSApp.
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