Kholofelo Mabitsela
Two Limpopo men who were arrested last week in separate gender-based violence cases were granted bail this week and both went back to their victims to finish them off.
On Monday, 40-year-old Mmapula Letsoalo was shot dead shortly after her boyfriend, Shadrack Matlakala, 47, was granted bail after being arrested for threatening to shoot her.
Matlakala was later found dead at his home in the village of Ga-Makanye near to the University of Limpopo. Authorities believe that Matlakala shot himself as his firearm was discovered next to his lifeless body.
In a separate incident last week, a teacher in the Greater Hlogotlou area was murdered by her ex-boyfriend whom she had accused of rape.
Dudu Masango’s ex-boyfriend allegedly killed her 11 days after being released from jail on R500 bail. Masango, 27, was found in her bedroom with multiple stab wounds.
Her alleged murderer, a 34-year-old man, was arrested and charged with murder. He will appear in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court soon.
Limpopo provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe appealed to couples experiencing domestic-related challenges to seek professional help instead of resorting to violence.
Hadebe further ordered an internal probe into the matter to determine the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ immediate release on bail by the prosecutor.
Cases of murder and inquest were opened and police investigations continue.
Limpopo Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the police are investigating why the suspect’s bail was granted on a Sunday and whether the suspect’s gun was confiscated during the arrest or not.
