LIMPOPO – The brutal murder of the 21-year-old Dumisani Mabobo in the early hours of Sunday, June 23 has sent shockwaves through the Elim community.
Dumisani was robbed of his laptop and stabbed to death by an unknown assailant near the Elim Shopping Complex.
Later that day, scores of angry residents from Elim and surrounding areas gathered at the shopping complex where he was killed, after receiving news that a suspect had been found.
Residents vented their anger by burning tyres and demanding to see the suspect. They also set fire to market stalls where suspected drug users and sellers, including those involved with substances such as nyaope and crystal meth, are known to gather.
The suspect was reportedly arrested on Sunday at around 18:00 but released due to a lack of evidence linking him to the crime. In video footage viewed by CV, a suspect can be seen running toward a furniture store at the shopping complex, while carrying a laptop.
Popi Maluleke, the mother of the deceased, expressed her grief, saying, “I cannot explain what we are feeling because I was expecting a bright future ahead for my firstborn. He was an obedient child who could not harm even a mere fly, and we shall always miss him”.
Dumisani’s family say they are frustrated by the police’s apparent inability to investigate the murder. Maluleke claimed that they seemed unwilling to assist.
“The video clearly shows the suspect fleeing after killing my son. They claim they lack sufficient evidence, and we have not received any updates from them since the incident,” she said.
A community leader, Ndhuna Albert Baloyi, said the fact that such criminal acts occurred was shocking, especially during Youth Month. Baloyi said they were planning to establish community policing forums after the funeral.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson Warrent Officer Vuledzani Dathi stated that the police had received information from Elim Hospital regarding the victim, who was brought to the medical facility with multiple stab wounds.
“Upon the police’s arrival, they thoroughly examined his body and found multiple stab wounds on the upper body. Despite being attacked, he managed to call for assistance, and his uncle arrived at the scene,” Dathi said.
According to Dathi, the suspect fled, and the victim was transported to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries during medical treatment. “The suspect(s) are currently unknown, and police investigations are underway.”
For anonymous tip-offs contact the investigating officer, Sgt Mulaudzi Thilivhali Brain on 079 894 5463 or Capt. Mabunda on 082 565 7901.
