THE cops have promised to arrest the suspect responsible for the death of Naledzani Makhado (52) from Vyeboom in Vuwani, Limpopo following a protest by frustrated residents.
On Wednesday, 18 October, protesters met Limpopo's MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani, and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe.
Radzilani was accompanied by Collins Chabane Mayor Shadrack Maluleke.
The visit aimed to address the dispute emanating from the discovery of incomplete human bones believed to be that of Makhado.
Naledzani had been missing since 10 September 2021.
Since then, the residents have demanded that the suspect responsible for Naledzani's disappearance be brought to justice.
It’s alleged that a human skeleton believed to be that of missing Naledzani was found in Giyani on Tuesday, 17 October.
ALSO READ: Donkey Meat: The 4-5 muthi booster!
A resident told Daily Sun that they were eagerly waiting for the suspect's arrest, stressing that it would finally bring closure.
“If the suspect isn't arrested, one of us will be the next to be killed by the same culprit," she said.
Calvin Tshidumo, a member of the Vyeboom Civic Organisation, expressed their hope that the suspect will be arrested before December to provide closure.
"We're still in disbelief after we heard that the head of the deceased was found, and we believe that she was brutally murdered,” he said.
Residents have agreed to cooperate with the police to resolve the matter. They have also called off the shutdown to allow pupils to go back to school and things to get back to normal in their area.
The police are processing the case, with DNA samples sent to forensic laboratories for further testing.
MEC Radzilani was informed of two missing persons' cases reported in 2021, with reports filed just days apart.
In her address, Radzilani urged community members to collaborate with SAPS, emphasising their shared objective of apprehending suspects.
She discouraged the community from setting ultimatums for the police in resolving cases.
"This has the potential to make the police do shoddy work, as they'd be rushing against the expectations of public opinions,” she said.
