Lim officer hacked to death, police ask Simon Matakura to assist with the investigation
52-year-old Warrant Officer Thinandavha Stanley Mudau was killed on Sunday
LIMPOPO – The police appeal to the community to help locate Simon Matakura. It is believed he can assist the police in the murder investigation of 52-year-old Warrant Officer Thinandavha Stanley Mudau.
Mudau, an officer attached to the Thohoyandou Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) unit, was attacked and hacked to death during an incident in the central business district of Sibasa at around 08:45 on Sunday, 15 March.
According to police reports the deceased arrived at his office the said morning and was met by a 17-year-old teenager who alleged that she was raped by a relative. He assisted the complainant and while conveying her to a local police station to open a case he decided to instead go via the alleged rapists residence in Sibasa CBD. Upon arrival the suspect is alleged to have attacked Mudau with a panga (machete), killing him instantly.
The teenage complainant was also seriously injured during the attack and is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital, said Hawks Spokesperson, Matimba Maluleke.
The Hawks appeal to anyone who may know the whereabouts of Simon Matakura to contact Captain Phineas Ramaite at 082 576 0932. Alternatively they can contact the 24-hour Crime Stop number at086 00 10111 or via the SAPS MySAPSApp. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence and callers may remain anonymous.
16 March
Limpopo police officer hacked to death, police launch manhunt for suspect
LIMPOPO – The police are calling for the swift arrest of a man who hacked an officer to death in Thohoyandou over the weekend.
The officer was reportedly attacked while attempting to arrest a suspected rapist in the central business district of Sibasa at around 08:45 on Sunday.
The deceased is a detective warrant officer who is attached to the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit of the Thohyandou Police Station.
Spokesperson Brig Vishnu Naidoo said in a statement that the officer arrived at his office and was met by a 17-year-old teenager who alleged that she was raped. He assisted the complainant and while conveying her to a local police station, he came across the suspected rapist in Sibasa CBD.
“The officer attempted to arrest the man who then took out a panga and hacked him to death. The rape victim was also seriously injured during the attack and is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital,” the statement reads.
The police have since mobilised a 72-hour activation plan to ensure that the man is brought to book. The plan entails the mobilisation of the Crime Intelligence Unit, Forensic Experts, the Hawks and SAPS detectives to ensure that no evidence and information which could aid in the arrest of the suspect is lost, Naidoo added.
The National Police Commissioner, Genl Sitole has sent his condolences to the family of the officer and has assured them that the police will do everything possible to ensure that the suspect is arrested and the justice prevails.
“I urge communities to rally behind the police to track down the suspect and arrest him as soon as possible,” said Sitole.
The police appealed to anyone who has any information that can assist the police in their investigation to contact 086 0010 111. Tip-offs may be sent via the SAPS MySAPSApp.
