POLOKWANE – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Malamulele, Vhembe district, is actively seeking information from the public that could lead to the arrest of suspects involved in two separate criminal incidents that occurred on Saturday, November 25, 2023.

According to South African Police Service, In the first incident, a 35-year-old man, later identified as Fistos Mabasa, was fatally stabbed with a sharp object by a known suspect. The police report indicates that Mabasa was socializing with others, including the assailant, in Phugwani village. The situation turned violent when Mabasa went to the restroom and was followed and attacked by the suspect, resulting in stab wounds to his upper body.

The SAPS and Emergency Services were called to the scene, but upon their arrival, the suspect had already fled. Mabasa was declared dead at the scene, leading to the opening of a murder case and the initiation of a manhunt by the police.

In a separate incident in Xigalo village, a 23-year-old man was victim to an armed robbery while walking home to Jerome village. The suspect, armed with a firearm, threatened the victim and robbed him of a school bag, a cellphone, and other valuables. Shots were fired by the suspect, who then fled the scene, leaving the victim unharmed.

The victim reported the incident to the police, who have since opened a case of robbery with a firearm and are conducting a manhunt for the assailant.

Detective Captain Bennet Baloyi is leading the investigations into both cases. The police are urging anyone with information that could assist in apprehending the suspects to contact Detective Captain Baloyi at 082 319 9724 or 015 815 7000. Information can also be provided through Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or the MySAPSApp.

These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the Malamulele community and the SAPS’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.