MALAMULELE – The SAPS in the Mopani area have established a task team, comprised of detectives, crime intelligence and the Serious and Violence Crime Unit, to form a special operational team to trace a group of most wanted suspects who allegedly committed arson and murder at Green Farm near Malamulele last Sunday.

Villagers of Green Farm are still living in fear after two grannies were brutally attacked by unknown criminals at about 01:00 and 06:00 last Sunday. Mrs Nyanisi Chauke (78) was sleeping when her house was allegedly set on fire and, according to the police statement, she was burnt to death.

According to the police spokesperson in Mopani, Supt Moatshe Ngoepe, another granny, Mrs Madzivhandlela Manganyi (87), sustained serious injuries to the head and chest after she was struck with a cosh on the head and chest. Ngoepe confirmed that she died on Monday night while still receiving medical treatment at the local hospital.

He added that they suspect robbery as the motive in both attacks. As no arrest had been made when going to press, Ngoepe said that the police investigations are continuing, adding that they expect more support from the community in terms of getting more information that can lead them to arresting the murderers.

He said that two counts of murder and arson have been opened at the Malamulele SAPS.

The Provincial MEC for Health and Social Development, Mr Seaparo Sekoati, this week sent a message of condolence to the bereaved families. He said that his department, which has learnt with shock of another attack on an 80-year-old pensioner in the same area, seriously condemns all sorts of attacks and rapes on pensioners, women and children and other vulnerable groups.

“We are appealing to communities to treat pensioners as equal partners and with respect. It is also regretted that all incidents happened a few days after the victims got their pension grant,” he said. Sekoati claimed that his department is looking into intensifying ways of educating pensioners to get their grants from the nearest post offices and banks to avoid future attacks.

Mirror learnt that a reward of R 20 000 is being offered to anyone who can provide the police with information that can link the suspects with the heinous crimes. Community members with information can contact detective senior Supt Magezi Hlungwani at 082 451 7181 or 015 811 5000.