Polokwane – A wave of violence has swept across Limpopo since New Year’s Eve, leaving eleven people dead in a series of brutal murders, the majority stemming from domestic disputes. The shocking toll has prompted a swift response from provincial authorities, who are urging communities to seek help for relationship problems.
The grim statistics paint a disturbing picture: three murders in Capricorn, three in Mopani, three in Waterberg, and two in Vhembe districts. Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the figures, stating, "Out of these murders, seven suspects have been apprehended by the police."
Among the horrifying incidents, Ledwaba detailed a particularly brutal case: “Some notable murder incidents include the killing of a wife by her husband after hacking her to death at Bolobedu on 1 January. In another incident, a girlfriend also killed her boyfriend at Phagameng in Modimolle after the boyfriend found the girlfriend interacting with a stranger, whereby the boyfriend assaulted her and in return, the girlfriend retaliated by stabbing him to death," he said.
Further highlighting the tragic extent of domestic violence, Ledwaba described another incident in Shongoane 1, Phomolong section in Lephalale: “A 48-year-old man was stabbed to death allegedly by his 45-year-old brother in Shongoane 1, Phomolong section in Lephalale during a fight. The suspect has since been apprehended and is currently in police custody.”
In this case, the location was specified as Marobala village in Ga-Dikgale, falling under the Sebayeng policing area in Capricorn district.
The brutality of these crimes has not gone unnoticed. Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has responded decisively, ordering a full-scale investigation.
“We have noted the murders we encountered since the 31st of December 2024 and observed that the majority of these cases are a result of domestic violence. We call upon communities to seek professional assistance from social workers, pastors, and traditional authorities in case they have disputes in their relationships,” she stated.
The Commissioner’s statement underscores the urgent need for intervention and support for those experiencing relationship difficulties.
General Hadebe has made it clear that the police are committed to bringing those responsible to justice. “Hadebe said multidisciplinary teams have been assigned and maximum resources mobilised to ensure that investigations are expedited to bring the remaining suspects to book,” Ledwaba reported.
