POLOKWANE – In Sekgosese, in Mankweng, two suspects aged 39 and 48-years-old were arrested on Friday (19 May) for arson and public violence after the community of Vaalwater 2 village went on rampage and torched two thatched houses and a six-roomed house belonging to an old man (67).
Police spokesperson Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe says the community suspected the 67-year-old man to be responsible for the murder of his friend, who is also 67.
“The deceased’s body was discovered in the nearby dam earlier during this week,” Ngoepe said.
The body was tied up and had open wounds.
“The wife of the so-called suspect was at home when a group of people arrived, singing and chanting at her gate,” explains Ngoepe.
He says the community then broke the gate and asked the whereabouts of the woman’s husband who wasn’t at home at the time and they began torching the houses.
The man’s wife managed to escape unhurt.
“The arrested suspects will appear before the Sekgosese Magistrate court soon and more arrests are still expected as a manhunt continues.
Meanwhile in Mutale, outside Thohoyandou, the communities of Tshibvumo, Tshamulingwi and the neighbouring villages, recently burnt down a seven roomed house of a woman who is thought to have knowledge of the whereabouts of a 26-year-old, mentally challenged man and who went missing on 21 March 2017.
“On Thursday, 18 March, the community attempted to burn her house down but due to the swift reaction by Public Order Police, they were unsuccessful and the police took her and her two siblings away for safety,” explains Ngoepe.
On Friday, 19 May, the same community torched her house as well as the local supermarket after accusing the owner for also being involved in this matter.
“The suspects are still unknown and no arrests have been made,” explains Ngoepe.
Anyone with information on these incidents may contact LT. Colonel William Ramokhubedu at 082 499 8389; the nearest police station; the crime stop number 0860010111 or the crime line sms 32211.
