LIMPOPO LEADERSHIP TAKES DECISIVE ACTION AGAINST VIOLENT CRIME SURGE IN MALAMULELE
POLOKWANE: The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye and Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe led a critical stakeholder engagement in Malamulele on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 following a horrific rape, robbery and murder incident in Extension B that sent shockwaves in the province.
The high-level meeting assembled local government officials, specialized police units, such as POP, TRT, K9 Unit and community leaders to formulate an immediate response to the crisis.
In attendance were the Acting Mayor of Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Cllr Faith Chauke, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Samuel Manala, joined by Vhembe SAPS District management,
led by Major General Eddie Van Der Walt and Pastors Forum.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe provided a comprehensive update on the investigation.
“We have assembled a dedicated task team under Major General Manala that is making significant progress. I can confirm the investigation is at an advanced stage with promising leads. Beyond seeking arrests, we are implementing a co-ordinated strategy to address the underlying causes of these crimes. We are actively addressing the concerns raised in community memorandums regarding Malamulele police station, prioritizing physical resource allocation and strengthening Community Policing Forums. I urge the community to partner with us by sharing information while allowing our investigators the space to execute their duties”
“We must unite against this onslaught by brazen criminals. We are going to engage with CPF structures accross the province to mobilise them to continue in their concerted efforts to fight crime jointly with the police,” said MEC Mathye.
Meanwhile, the MEC also identified community silence and illegal immigration as some of the contributing factors to most serious and violent crimes. She also expressed full confidence in SAPS leadership while appealing for lawful community co-operation as the police accelerate the battle against crime.
The delegation concluded by visiting the affected family to offer support and demonstrate solidarity during this difficult period.
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