Tebogo Msimanga |
The three suspects arrested in connection with the murder of a young couple appeared before the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 08 2021. It is alleged that Peter Tshiodze aged 34, Matome Godfrey Motolla aged 36 and Mmbofbeni Steven Shirindan aged 47, brutally murdered a young couple on 06 October 2020 at Ga-Rapitsi village in the Bolobedu Policing area outside Tzaneen.
They were remanded in custody until Friday 09 April 2021 for bail application and further police investigations.
Limpopo Police spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe said allegedly, the couple, Lucia Malapane aged 18 and Nius Malatjie aged 21 were found dead in their house at Ga-Rapitsi village, Itireleng Section by their neighbour, who was said to be the employer of one of the deceased (Malatjie).
“ The businessman, aged 47, had apparently gone to the house to find out why his employee did not report for work that morning when he made the gruesome discovery. The couple’s 12-month-old baby was found sitting next to the bodies.”
Ngoepe said these murders sparked widespread violent protests by community members in the area, after they accused the said businessman of being responsible for the brutal murder of the young couple.
Intensive police investigations continued until the three suspects were arrested on Thursday,8 April 2021. The suspects were found in possession of some items belonging to the deceased.
