Following reports of angry community members attacking a traditional healer's family, setting fire to her home, and destroying property, police in the province of Limpopo have begun a manhunt.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the violent incident, allegedly carried out by community members, took place at Bodutlula village on Friday, October 24.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that around 8am, a female traditional healer noticed a group of community members gathering outside her home. The local headman arrived shortly after and spoke to them about certain allegations that had reportedly been made against her at the tribal office. However, once the headman left, tensions quickly escalated,” said Ledwaba.
He added that, according to reports, some community members began throwing stones at the victim’s yard, injuring her and her relatives and causing extensive property damage. Two vehicles were damaged, and all 18 windows of the house were shattered during the attack.
“Furthermore, it was discovered that the complainant’s house and her traditional consulting room (indumba) were set alight, with the door also damaged. The fire caused significant destruction inside both structures,” said Ledwaba.
Members of the Public Order Police (POPS) were deployed to stabilise and monitor the situation.
Police have opened cases of malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and are actively investigating to identify and apprehend the suspects. No arrests have been made so far.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Milo Maphoso at 082 414 3345, call Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or submit tips anonymously via the My SAPS App. Investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned acts of mob justice and destruction of property, warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated. She further confirmed that no formal criminal cases had been reported against the complainant at the police station.
The Star
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