The community of Tshisahulu outside Thohoyandou and other affected people are rejoicing.

This follows the news that a suspect, who had been on the run after allegedly setting a bed on fire that led to the death of two people, has finally surrendered to the police. The 39-year-old Mboneni Khakhu of Tshisahulu Siawoadza, has been on the run since the burning of two people to death three weeks ago at the village.

The alleged killer surrendered to police, accompanied by family members, after his photo was published in this paper last Friday. It is suspected that he started a fire that burnt down his lover´s house, killing the 7-year-old Mbuelo Ramalivhana. The boy´s mother, Thabelo Ramalivhana (42), later died in the Mankweng Hospital, where she was admitted for severe burn wounds.

During last week´s funeral of Ms Ramalivhana, speakers had called for a speedy arrest of the suspect, threatening that if he is not found, they would be forced to take the law into their own hands.

Reacting after the news that the suspect was in custody, Ms Grace Mbulaheni, sister of the deceased, expressed her joy, saying that the family was not at peace when the man was still roaming the streets. “We are still mourning the death of our family members, but we were not free at all, fearing that this monster might come back and destroy all the evidence linking him to the incident," she said.

Mbulaheni said the children are still very traumatized and are scared that he might come back.

Tshisahulu SANCO chairperson, Phillip Tshivhase praised the move taken by the suspect. He said the community is in fear and people are not free to go about their businesses as they fear attacks. He said they are having many unsolved cases in the village and urged police to investigate these cases and bring them to trial as a matter of urgency.

Thohoyandou police spokesperson, Capt Mashudu Malelo said the suspect was accompanied to the station by family members on Friday afternoon. “We are very thankful for the contribution this paper is making in our fight against crime. Had it not been for this paper, this man would not have surrendered," said Malelo.

He praised the newspaper for a job well done and said they are positive that the good working relationship will continue until all criminals find themselves behind bars.

“We are happy that this man took this bold stand and gave himself up to answer for his deeds and we encourage others who are on the run to follow his example,” said Malelo.

Khakhu appeared in court on Monday and his case was postponed to June 30. He was not granted bail.