POLOKWANE - The Provinvicial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly warned people, especially those in relationships, to desist from resorting to violence when confronted by domestic challenges. This after a couple, employed as Social Workers at the Limpopo Department of Social Development, perished in a torched house at Madimbo village under Tshamutumbu in the Vhembe District on Sunday 18 December 2022.

The local Police received information about a burning house at about 07:00 and upon arrival at the scene, they found the gutted house and were informed that there was a couple inside.

Preliminary probe conducted by Police revealed that one of the partners, a 38-year-old man, had that morning sent his son to buy petrol from the filling station for the generator and upon his return, the man sent him again to the shop to buy some food. When the boy came back he was apparently surprised to see his family house on fire, surrounded by people.

The motive for the incident will be determined by the unfolding investigations but domestic violence cannot be ruled out as the couple are alleged to have had differences the previous night.

The deceased were identified as Thovhowani Masakona aged 35 and her partner Christopher Mudau aged 38.

"It is utterly inexcusable to continue loosing lives in this fashion where individuals who find themselves in the midst of domestic challenges, resort to extreme measures that involve taking lives. We urge all people in similar situations, to seek professional assistance from relevant structures." Concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The Police have opened inquest docket and investigations are continuing.

Source: South African Police Service