The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadede, has on Tuesday warned people to desist from resorting to violence when facing domestic challenges.
This follows an incident involving a couple who perished in a burning house in Madimbo village, in the Tshamutumbu Vhembe district on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said in a statement: “The local police received information about a burning house at about 7am, and upon arrival at the scene, they found a gutted house and were informed that there was a couple inside,” read the statement.
“The preliminary probe conducted by the police revealed that one of the partners was a 38-year-old man, who had sent his son in the morning to buy petrol from the filling station for a generator. Upon return, the man sent him again to buy food.
“When the boy returned for the second time, he was apparently surprised to see his family house on fire, surrounded by people.”
Lieutenant-General Hadebe condemned domestic violence and urged people to report cases of domestic challenges.
“It is utterly inexcusable to continue losing lives in this fashion where individuals who find themselves in the midst of domestic challenges, resort to extreme measures that involve taking lives,” said Lieutenant-General Hadebe.
“We urge all people in similar situations to seek for professional assistance from relevant structures.”
The deceased couple was later identified as Thovhowani Masakona (35) and Christopher Mudau (38).
Ledwaba said that domestic violence cannot be ruled out, as the couple allegedly had a squabble the previous night.
Police have since opened an inquest docket.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa. To Subscribe to Sunday World, click here.
