Young Dumisani Mabobo's fatal stabbing triggers outcry

The brutal murder of Dumisani Mabobo in the early hours of Sunday morning (23 June) has sent shockwaves through the Elim community. Dumisani (21) was stabbed to death and robbed of his laptop by an unknown man near the Elim Shopping Complex, as he returned from Gauteng at around 01:00.

Later that day, scores of angry residents from Elim and surrounding areas gathered at the shopping complex where he was killed after receiving news that a suspect had been found. Residents vented their anger by burning tires and demanding to see the suspect. They also set fire to market stalls where alleged drug users and sellers, including those involved with substances such as nyaope and crystal meth, are known to gather. The suspect was reportedly arrested on Sunday at around 18:00 but later released because of a lack of evidence linking him to the crime.

In video footage viewed by Limpopo Mirror, a suspect can be seen running toward Furnmart at the shopping complex while carrying a laptop.

Ms Popi Maluleke, the mother of the deceased, expressed her grief, saying, “I cannot explain what we are feeling because I was expecting a bright future ahead for my firstborn. He was an obedient child who could not harm even a mere fly, and we shall always miss him.”

Dumisani’s family is also frustrated by the police’s apparent inability to investigate the murder properly. Maluleke claimed that they seemed unwilling to assist. “The video clearly shows the suspect fleeing after killing my son. They claim they lack sufficient evidence, and we have not received any updates from them since the incident,” she said.

A community leader, Mr Ndhuna Albert Baloyi, said the fact such criminal acts occurred was shocking, especially during Youth Month. Baloyi said they were planning to establish community policing forums after the funeral. “We are still reeling from the death of this promising young life that was cut short, and we are planning to remove all young people who hang around the Elim market, selling and using drugs such as nyaope and crystal meth,” he said.

Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi stated that the police had received information from Elim Hospital regarding the victim, who was brought to the medical facility with multiple stab wounds. “Upon police arrival, they thoroughly examined his body and found multiple stab wounds on the upper body. Despite being attacked, he managed to call for assistance, and his uncle arrived at the scene,” Dathi said.

According to Dathi, the suspect fled, and the victim was transported to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries during medical treatment. “The suspect(s) are currently unknown, and police investigations are underway.”

Anyone with information that can assist the police in apprehending the culprits is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sgt Mulaudzi Thilivhali Brain, at 079 894 5463 or Capt Mabunda at 082 565 7901.

Date:28 June 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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