Limpopo's twin horror: Police hunt culprits in brutal murders

Limpopo police have launched urgent investigations into two brutal and unrelated murder cases in the Maake and Mankweng policing areas after the body of a 62-year-old woman was discovered in the Masehlana River in Madawa Village, while a 29-year-old man was found dead with visible bruises and a stab wound in a separate incident.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said that on December 26, the body of a 62-year-old woman from Mineview Village was discovered at the Masehlana River in Madawa Village at around 11:35, after officers received information about a possible murder.

“According to reports, police received information about an unknown African female found dead in the river. Upon arrival at the scene, police found community members gathered, and one community member pointed out the body.”

Ledwaba said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was found wearing only a T-shirt, while her shoes and other clothing items were scattered nearby. She was bleeding from the mouth and nose.

He further revealed that the woman was last seen on Christmas Day, December 25, when she reportedly informed family members that she was taking her grandchild to the child’s mother in Madawa Village.

“She allegedly left the child at the homestead and departed but never returned home,” he added.

Ledwaba said the suspect in the case is currently unknown and that police investigations are continuing.

In a separate incident, police in the Mankweng policing area are also investigating a murder following an incident that occurred at Mabopane Moshate Section at around 10:50.

It is reported that police were summoned to a murder scene, where they found a 29-year-old male victim lying on the ground, facing upwards.

Ledwaba said the deceased was wearing white shorts and a green shirt and had visible bruises as well as a stab wound to the upper body.

“Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel later certified the victim dead at the scene,” he added.

He said the suspect in this case is also unknown and that the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under police investigation.

Police are urging anyone with information that may assist in the investigations of both cases, or that could lead to the arrest of those responsible, to contact Detective Sergeant Bopape of Maake SAPS on 079 875 7951 or Detective Sergeant Matome Mangena of Mankweng SAPS on 082 397 7076. Alternatively, members of the public can contact their nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit information via the MySAPS App.

Police investigations into both cases are continuing.

The Star

[email protected]