'Who are behind all these senseless killings,' ask concerned groups

The Vhembe Concerned Group, a non-profit crime-fighting organisation, has made an urgent call on the police to speed up their investigations into the recent spate of killings in the area. This came after yet another member of Vhembe’s alleged underworld was killed over the weekend.

The deceased, Mr Lufuno Mabirimisa (38), popularly known as Mujava, is believed to be another victim of the gang wars that started three years ago, which have left a bloody trail in their wake. He was shot and killed by unknown suspects while with friends at the local scrapyard at Matidza on Saturday, 3 February.

The family of 46-year-old Sydwell Mulaudzi, who was killed only a fortnight ago, have not even buried their loved one yet. Mulaudzi was shot right after dropping his child off at school in Malamulele B2.

Limpopo Police Spokesperson Lt-Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the latest incident, saying they had launched a massive manhunt for the suspects. According to Ledwaba, the deceased was sitting in his vehicle, talking to a friend and the owner of the scrapyard (workshop) when several shots were fired in the direction of the vehicle, killing Mabirimisa. The owner of the scrapyard and his friend managed to escape unhurt by fleeing to safety. Shortly afterwards, they found Mabirimisa, who was certified dead by the paramedics. The police have opened a case of murder for further investigations.

The chairperson of the Vhembe Concerned Group, Mr Richard Ramabulana, said the community was starting to fear for their lives. “When will these senseless killings stop? Many people have lost their lives already, and we do not even know who is behind it. Why are these people being killed, and who will be next? Our urgent call is that the police speed up their investigations and stop this carnage before innocent people are caught in the crossfire,” he said.

The police are appealing to anyone with information about the shooting to contact Detective Sergeant Fulufhelo Mudzanani on 063 626 9518, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or via the MySAPSapp.

Date:09 February 2024

By: Anton van Zyl

Anton van Zyl has been with the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror since 1990. He graduated from the Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg) and obtained a BA Communications degree. He is a founder member of the Association of Independent Publishers.

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