An elderly woman was allegedly stabbed to death by her neighbour in Limpopo, before the man police linked to her killing was later found dead following an alleged attack by community members.
The two deaths occurred in Rita Village in the Maake policing area of Mopani District on Thursday.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers received a complaint at about 1.45pm that a 77-year-old woman had allegedly been stabbed.
When police arrived, they found the woman lying on the ground with an upper-body stab wound. Emergency Medical Services personnel certified her dead at the scene.
Fled to the mountains
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman was allegedly stabbed by a male neighbour,” police said.
The motive for the alleged attack has not yet been established.
Police launched a search for the alleged suspect, a 45-year-old man, after he reportedly fled into nearby mountains when he saw officers arriving.
Police said they received information at about 7pm that community members had allegedly located and assaulted the man in Rita Village.
Officers responded and found the man lying motionless with visible injuries. EMS personnel certified him dead at the scene.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased man was the same person who had earlier been linked to the murder of the woman,” police said.
Warning over mob justice
The circumstances surrounding both deaths are now being investigated.
Limpopo police provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers condemned the deaths, as well as the alleged mob attack.
“We understand that communities are deeply affected by serious crimes, but resorting to mob justice is unlawful and cannot be tolerated,” Scheepers said.
“Members of the community must allow the police to conduct investigations and deal with suspects through the criminal justice system.”
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist with the investigation into the alleged mob attack and the deaths to contact investigating officer Sergeant Khanyisa Chauke on 082-319-9742. Information can also be provided to the nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or through the MySAPS app.
Police investigations are continuing.
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