In a devastating turn of events, police in Limpopo have arrested two alleged livestock thieves following the disappearance and tragic murder of a local farmer.

Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, reported that on the afternoon of February 27, a 62-year-old farmer David Netshilaphala went to his Kraal at Xikundu village to check on his cattle. Upon arrival, he discovered that three of his cattle were missing.

Thakeng stated that two days following the incident, Netshilaphala was reported missing at Saselamani SAPS. In response, outraged community members began setting fire to the homes of those believed to be responsible for the disappearance.

“Two days after the incident, 62-year-old David Netshilaphala was reported missing at Saselamani SAPS. Members of the community gathered and started to burn the houses of the suspects alleged to be responsible for the missing person. Six houses were burnt, and one person from the community was arrested and charged with arson.”

Thakeng further stated that the search continued until March 10, when farmers provided crucial information to the investigation team about possible suspects. This information led authorities to Shimausa village and Tiyani Magoro village in the Hlanganani policing area under Mopani District, where two suspects, aged between 21 and 31, were identified and arrested in connection with the murder.

He added that the suspects directed officers to the crime scene where the body of the missing person was dumped

“The suspects led the police to a crime scene where they had dumped the body believed to be of the missing person. The body was positively identified to be that of the missing farmer by the next of kin,” said Thakeng.

The two suspects appeared in court on Tuesday at Malamulele Magistrate's Court, facing charges of murder and stock theft.

Thakeng has appealed to the community for information that could help apprehend the remaining suspects. Those with information are urged to contact Detective Investigating Officer Captain Tshilande Nkangweleni at 082 414 2989, the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPSApp.

Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Monica Thembi Hadebe, once again discouraged residents from taking the law into their own hands. She praised the swift action of SAPS members, which led to the apprehension of the actual suspects involved in the murder and stock theft.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za