Police Urge Calm as Malamulele Community Reacts to Tragedy

Tensions have boiled over in Malamulele, Limpopo, after a horrific home invasion left a young man dead and his sister raped — prompting violent protests and mob attacks against suspected criminals. The police have urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.

The community unrest follows the gruesome attack on Tuesday morning when two armed intruders stormed a family home around 2:30am. According to police, the suspects forced their way in, tied up the 43-year-old father at gunpoint, and then targeted his two children while they were asleep.

Tragic home invasion sparks outrage

The attackers allegedly raped the 17-year-old daughter and fatally shot her 20-year-old brother in the forehead. The intruders then fled the scene with several valuables, including a television, cellphone, and bicycle — items collectively valued at over R36,000.

Both children were rushed to hospital, but the son later died from his injuries.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that a massive manhunt is underway for the two masked men, who also face charges of rape, murder, and armed robbery.

Mob justice erupts as police intervene

As news of the attack spread, anger in the community escalated. On Wednesday night, four people suspected of involvement in the attack were assaulted by a mob. One of the suspects died as a result of the injuries. Police have since opened a murder case and three cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Police also confirmed an attempted attack on the Malamulele Police Station, where rubber bullets were used to disperse crowds. One person was arrested and will face criminal charges related to the unrest.

Police urge cooperation, not violence

Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged the community to allow law enforcement to do its job.

“We understand the pain and anger the community feels, but violence will not bring justice. We have deployed our Tactical Response Team and provincial investigation units, and progress is being made,” she said.

Community leaders handed over memorandums to police this week, demanding faster action and more visible policing. Hadebe said all concerns are being addressed and promised regular updates on the investigation’s progress.

“I appeal to the community to give police space to do the groundwork to normalise the situation,” she added.

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Sourced:IOL

Picture: LumiNola/GettyImages