In February this year, Tshinanne Siobo (38) of Murunwa lost her 12-year-old son after her begrudged ex-boyfriend allegedly threw a petrol bomb into their house. Siobo and her other child also suffered serious burn wounds. The incident was reported to the Vhulaudzi police at the time, but nearly 10 months later, the aggrieved mother is still living in fear for their lives as she waits for the police to arrest the suspect, whom she positively identified.
She is accusing the police of being unsympathetic and not making any effort to bring the suspect to book. "The police have failed us as a family. I have tried everything to have the man arrested, even going to the extent of directing the police where to find him, and still nothing has happened. That man might strike again and finish us as he clearly intended to do. We are desperate and don't know where else to seek help. The police are reluctant to arrest him and this is a great concern for me. My son lost his life because of this man, but the police do not seem to notice my pain. They have no empathy at all and are also neglecting their duty. As long as that man is still roaming the streets, we will not have peace in our hearts," she said.
Siobo's mother, Ms Rebecca Siobo, is equally disappointed. "We have waited for a long time for the police to arrest the suspect. This is a miscarriage of justice, and I fear he might do the worst and kill her. She has children. Who will then look after them?" she said.
Local community leader Mr Richard Ramabulana said they had received a complaint about this case on Thursday, 20 October. "We are shocked and disappointed about the whole case. Something is not right here, and we have taken it upon ourselves to see to it that the man is arrested and the family has peace of mind," he said.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said that investigations in the matter were still ongoing. He confirmed that the suspect was still at large and urged members of the community to assist with information that could lead to his arrest. He further assured the family that they will be updated about the progress of the investigation.
The police has since released a photo of the suspect, Bebeda Godfrey Mbangiseni, and has urged members of the public to contact them, should they know his whereabouts. Anyone with information can contact investigating officer Sgt Kenneth Phaswana on 071 677 1766 / 015 973 5200.