POLOKWANE – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has condemned the brutal attack and killing of two children in an apparent domestic violence case.
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The incident occurred in the early hours of this morning, 5 October, in the Sekgakgapeng village in the Mahwelereng Policing precinct outside Mokopane where two children died after the house they were sleeping in was allegedly torched by unknown suspect/s.
According to police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the entire family was asleep when the unknown suspect/s threw what is believed to be a petrol bomb at the house. It immediately caught fire.
“The family of eight, between the ages of three months old and 30-years-old, were trapped inside. Police were summoned and reacted immediately and on arrival, they found the house already engulfed in flames,” he explained.
The fire was put out by fire fighters but a five-year-old girl died on the scene and a two-year-old girl died on the way to hospital.
“The rest of the family, including the mother of the two deceased, were taken to hospital for medical treatment. The motive behind this incident is still unknown at this stage but domestic violence may not be ruled out,” he said.
Two counts murder and arson cases were opened for further police investigations to take place. The suspect is still on the run.
“Police are requesting Bongani Abrahm Boshomane (45) to report to the Mahwelereng Police Station or the nearest station to assist with ongoing investigations. Anyone with information which can lead to the arrest of the suspect involved in this matter, may contact Captain Richard Boshomane at 079 894 5501; the crime stop number 0860010111; the crime line sms 32211 or the nearest police station,” Ngoepe said.
He added that communities are advised to consult their local authorities in case of any domestic related problems rather than resorting to violent behavior.
