…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media.
A woman, her son, and two cousins from Limpopo have been taken into custody for the brutal killing of Fumky Hlongwane.
The motive behind the murder is believed to be the alleged theft of goats owned by the accused woman.
Horrific Kidnapping and Assault
Hlongwane and a friend were reportedly abducted from his residence by the four suspects.
They were taken to a farm in Morarela, Sekhukhune, where they were tied up and subjected to severe beatings using various objects, including a hammer.
Hlongwane’s friend managed to escape and promptly alerted the police about the assault.
Victim Succumbs to Injuries
When law enforcement officers arrived at the scene, they found the 35-year-old victim lying unresponsive on the ground.
He was immediately rushed to the hospital but unfortunately passed away due to the injuries sustained during the attack.
Police Condemn the Murder
The Limpopo Police Commissioner has strongly condemned the murder, describing it as both senseless and brutal.
He reiterated the message that taking the law into one’s own hands is never a solution and only leads to unintended and tragic consequences.
Suspects to Appear in Court
The four suspects involved in the crime are scheduled to appear before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 19, 2023.
They will face charges of kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and murder.
Police Offer Advice to Prevent Livestock Theft
In light of this case, the police have provided some tips to help prevent livestock theft.
These include correctly marking animals for easy identification in case of theft, implementing a livestock register, promptly reporting all instances of stock theft, brand marking animals in compliance with the Animal Identification Act, reporting stray animals to the police, and collaborating with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Stock Theft Units.
Importance of Animal Marking and Ownership Registration
The government website emphasizes the compulsory nature of marking animals if one owns cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs.
This marking system aids in tracing stolen animals back to their rightful owners, improving the chances of successful prosecution in stock theft cases.
Conclusion:
The arrest of a woman, her son, and two cousins for the brutal murder of Fumky Hlongwane highlights the tragic consequences of taking the law into one’s own hands.
Limpopo Police have condemned the senseless crime and stressed the importance of relying on legal channels for justice.
The suspects will face multiple charges in court, while the police have provided advice on preventing livestock theft, including proper animal marking and adherence to the Animal Identification Act.