A male suspect has been arrested in connection with the 2024 killing of Dumisani Mabobo, nearly two years after the young man was stabbed to death near the Hubyeni Shopping Complex in Elim.
The arrest was made on Friday, 10 April. Police have informed Mabobo’s family about the development. His mother, Popi Maluleke, said the arrest has brought her some relief.
Mabobo (21) was killed in the early hours of 23 June 2024 after he was stabbed and robbed of his laptop near the shopping complex in Elim, shortly after returning from Gauteng at around 01:00. He was transported to Elim Hospital, where he later succumbed to multiple stab wounds to the upper body.
The killing sparked outrage in the community, with residents gathering at the shopping complex, burning tyres and targeting market stalls linked to alleged drug activity, including nyaope and crystal meth.
At the time, Maluleke expressed her grief over the loss of her firstborn. “I cannot explain what we are feeling because I was expecting a bright future ahead for my firstborn. He was an obedient child who could not harm even a mere fly, and we shall always miss him,” she said.
The family had also grown frustrated with the pace of the investigation, with Maluleke saying police appeared unwilling to assist despite video footage showing a suspect fleeing the scene carrying a laptop. “The video clearly shows the suspect fleeing after killing my son. They claim they lack sufficient evidence, and we have not received any updates from them since the incident,” she said.
A suspect was initially arrested on the day of the killing but was later released due to a lack of evidence.
Police confirmed the latest arrest to Limpopo Mirror but said they could not provide further details at this stage. The suspect is expected to appear at the Waterval Magistrate Court on 17 April.