GIYANI - The police in the Lowveld area are investigating several cases following incidents that took place in the area during the past week. They have opened a case of murder and an inquest docket following the tragic death of Masale Rahlelane (30) and his girlfriend, Salphinah Mkansi (22) both of Nkomo Village.

The incident took place at Nkomo village last Thursday night. According to the spokesperson of the police in Giyani Insp Hasani Mabaso it is alleged that Mkansi paid Rahlelane a visit during the night of the incident. It is further alleged that while in the house an argument ensued between the two. The neighbours told the police that they heard a strange noise from Rahlelane’s house on night of the incident.

According to the police statement, during the argument Rahlelane lost his temper and started chopping Mkansi with a sharp instrument. The police proceeded to the scene the following morning where they found Mkansi’s body lying in a pool of blood.

Rahlelane’ s body was found hanging from the rafters of the roof.

In another incident a 60-year old priest, Levy Maebana of Mabins Village near Tzaneen has briefly appeared in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s court last Friday on a charge of rape.

The incident leading to his arrest, took place at Mabins Village from January last year until October last year. According to the police statement, it is alleged that the accused has raped a 12-year old girl during when her parents were away at work.

The statement further indicates that the girl is now four months pregnant. The accused was arrested after the girl has told the whole story to her parents who in turn took the matter up with the police. The accused was arrested two days before his court appearance. He was not asked to plead and the case was remanded to next Monday, February 4 for bail application.

In another incident, the police in the Lowveld have arrested two Chinese men aged 24 and a 19 year old woman for operating an illegal gambling shop at Giyani Township.

The statement indicates that the police had received the information that there were people who were operating illegal gambling shop in the area some days before they proceeded to the scene on Sunday morning. On arrival they allegedly found two men and a lady busy operating illegal gambling (mutshaini). According to the police statement the woman was being used as an interpreter. They were still to appear in court at the time of going to the press.