Limpopo’s MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison, Samson Ndou, issued a strong warning against corrupt police officers who hide or destroy evidence to avoid arresting those involved in ritual murders.

He was addressing family members of the latest victim of ritual murder, Shonisani Thinandavha (38), at Mulodi Village on Tuesday afternoon. Shonisani’s mutilated body was discovered at Mulodi Mountain, near Thohoyandou, on Sunday morning. “We have received information that there are corrupt police elements within the SAPS who are cooperating with ritual murderers. The message is loud and clear: their days are numbered. We will root them out without mercy because this is denting the image of the justice system. Ritual murderers are evil people who deserve to rot in jail and we will take the strongest disciplinary action against those police officers who protect them. The main duty of the police is to protect civilians, not to protect evil perpetrators for their own personal gain.”

Ndou said the government is concerned about the escalating number of ritual murders in Vhembe. He appealed to those who have evidence in ritual murder cases to forward it to the police or authorities. “We are seriously concerned because innocent people are mutilated on a daily basis. We are doing our best to address this issue, but we will never win this war without the assistance of the community. When you keep quiet, it means that you are cooperating with ritual murderers.”

The MEC expressed his condolences to the Thinandavha family and added that everything will be done to hunt down the people who killed their family member. “We came here to show you our support because your family member died a painful death. Most times, they target indigent families like yours, but they must know that we are always there for you. We will try our best to have the killers apprehended, because what they did is cruel, evil and uncalled for.”

Family member Maria Hamisi said although they are mourning, the family is relieved because of the MEC’s visit. She pleaded with the MEC to help the family in tracking down the killers. “You, the MEC, are our only hope and we believe you will rescue us. Your visit has warmed our hearts but we will not rest until those who killed our family member are brought to book…”