NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has noted with concern, the increasing number of Gender-Based-Violence incidents, which include murder, kidnappings and rapes of women and children recently. The anxiety by the General comes in the midst of a terrible incident in which two female siblings, aged 42 and 43 (one being a police Sergeant were brutally gunned down allegedly by a male partner of one of the siblings. The terrible event is said to have occurred last night, Sunday 15 May 2022 at Kanyamazane outside Nelspruit.
According to the information at police disposal, an argument between the male suspect and his female companion is said to have broken out where the woman’s sister as well as two other females reportedly intervened. It is said that the man left only to return later armed with a firearm. It is said that he allegedly shot his partner inside a car as she attempted to flee for her life in a blue BMW that was earlier driven by the suspect. The male suspect reportedly went inside the house and shot at the police Sergeant before he fled the scene. The other two females escaped without being harmed.
The authorities were informed about the incident where the two sisters were unfortunately certified dead on arrival at the nearby clinic. The police at Kanyamazane have opened a case with two counts of murder. A manhunt has since been launched for the suspect. The two sisters were identified as Ms Pretty Mazibuko (42) who was stationed at Ngondwana Police Station and Ms Marcia Mazibuko (43).
However, police urge Mr Rassie Nkuna (pictures attached) to immediately contact the police as they believe that he can assist the investigation team in their probe. Anyone who knows his whereabouts can contact Detective Captain Zephaniah Phiri can be contacted at 0824691542 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner has vowed that no one is going to be spared or treated with velvet hands when it comes to issues of Gender-Based-Violence. “Condolences to the family of the late siblings that were brutally killed. As management of the police, we take firm stance against any form of Gender-Based-Violence. Those who are involved in these particular practices of Gender-Based-Violence will be dealt harshly without fear or favour. We trust that the suspects will soonbe brought to book,” said Lt General Manamela.
On the same breath, the General has cautioned the public to avoid hitch-hiking (asking for lifts from strangers) or offer lifts to hitch-hikers as it might place their lives at risk.
Source: South African Police Service