Family allegedly told that hostage case was closed because of media

The Mthombeni family of 10 members from Elim Makhongele, who were held hostage during a robbery at their home on 13 December 2023, say they are angry and frustrated with the police who, instead of investigating the incident and making arrests, just seem to come up with excuses and downright lies. In an incident last month, they were even told that the case was closed “because the media reported on the story”.

According to the owner of the house, Ms Kenny Mthombeni, she and some members of the Elim Shirley Development and Service Forum went to Waterval Police Station on Monday, 15 January, to follow up on the case, when they were told that the case had been closed because the media had interfered. “Captain Mawela informed us that the case was closed due to the media reporting it to the provincial commissioner and Vhembe District,” she said.

On the day of the hostage drama, three known suspects allegedly invaded the family’s 15-room, double-story house while they were sleeping, armed with a knife and a spade. The family members were robbed of various personal items, including a plasma TV, a laptop, seven cellphones, and a bag full of clothes.

The following day, community members took proactive measures by apprehending two suspects in Mpheni and Elim respectively without resorting to mob justice. The third suspect managed to escape. The residents promptly contacted the police to arrest the two captured suspects, but Mthombeni claimed that these suspects had never even made it to the police station after they had been handed to the police. “We heard that the suspects bribed the police to let them go on their way to the police station,” Mthombeni told the media.

Mr Nelson Mabobo, deputy chairperson of the Elim Shirley Development and Service Forum, said they did not see anything wrong with the media’s publishing the story about the incident as they had only done their job. “We urge the police to proceed with this case, so that the family can see justice served, find peace, and get over what had happened to them. Also, if possible, to get their stolen belongings back,” he said.

Mthombeni’s mother, Ms Telina Xitlhangu (79), said that they had difficulty forgetting the trauma of the hostage experience. “We could have been killed. It was by God’s grace alone that we are still alive, but we no longer feel safe in our own house, knowing that the suspects are allowed to run free out there. How can this be allowed?” she said.

Vhembe police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi denied the allegations that the case is no longer being investigated. “The house robbery case is still being investigated, not closed. But no arrests have been made yet. Any information can be directed to Investigating Officer TN Rikhotso on 072 752 7794,” he said.

Date:03 February 2024

By: Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area.

Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.

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