The Tshivhulawa family from Ha-Madodonga, in the Kutama area, are living in fear after an incident last month when their daughter's boyfriend allegedly stabbed the mother several times and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about it.
The victim, Ms Pinkie Tshivhulawa, said everything started when the suspect entered their home on 15 June and started assaulting her daughter. When she (the mother) begged him to stop, he turned his anger on her and stabbed her multiple times with a knife.
The incident was reported to the police at the time and Tshivhulawa was admitted at the Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital, from where she was transferred to Polokwane Provincial Hospital. She was released from hospital four days later.
The family of eight are being kept at the Tshilwavhusiku Police Station for their safety, while the police have launched a manhunt for the suspect. Even though Tshivhulawa positively identified the suspect, no-one has been arrested yet, and the family fear for their lives.
Tshivhulawa accuses 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," she said. Tshivhulawa believes the police are reluctant to arrest the suspect and are endangering their lives. "I fear he might do the worst and kill my daughter. She has children. Who will then look after them?" she said.
The local traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho-Ntanganedzeni Kutama, said they had received a complaint about this case on 16 June. "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 Lt Col Malesela Ledwaba said that investigation in the matter was 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.