After a public outcry that police are not doing enough to catch a fugitive who killed a local woman, the Thohoyandou police have finally released an identikit of a man they believe could help them in their investigation into the murder case.

The case relates to the murder a fortnight ago of a woman at Vondo outside Thohoyandou.

It is alleged the woman, Mmbangiseni Netshikulwe (31), was busy collecting wood with two other women at the nearby mountain when they were surprised by a man who tried to rob and rape them. It is alleged the man hid next to the firewood which they had already collected and waited for them to come back.

On their return to the spot, the women were allegedly threatened with a big panga by the suspect, who ordered them to the bush, so that he could rape them. A struggle apparently ensued and the man dropped the panga, whereupon he drew his firearm. He is alleged to have shot one of the women in the forehead. She was taken to hospital and died while receiving medical attention.

Community members have complained about the shoddy police treatment after the case was reported to them. They complained that police who attended the case did nothing to help trace the suspect, who the community believed was still on the mountain.

“We are very aggrieved; the police have failed us. Had they done the right thing of bringing dogs and maybe a helicopter, the suspect would not have gotten away. We are appealing to the police to polish up their act as we depend on them for our safety,” said Avhapfani Nevondo, a community leader in the area.

He said there were many unresolved cases of attacks on unarmed women who ventured into the mountains while looking for firewood. “We are very worried that more innocent lives could still be lost as the suspect is still at large and we urge police to do their best to catch the suspect,” he said.

Thohoyandou police spokesperson Constable Avhafarei Tshiovhe said the case was receiving urgent attention and investigations were continuing. "The reason why we released the identikit is because we are working on the case and we would like to have assistance from the community, so that we arrest the culprit," she said.

She said no arrest has been made in connection with the case. “We are appealing to members of the public who have information about the incident to please assist us in tracing the suspect,” she said. Those whith information can contact their nearest police station.or alternatively phone 079 517 0028 or 073 021 3848.