A 30-YEAR-OLD Mpumalanga woman was shot dead while busy sharing stokvel money on Saturday, 10 December.
The incident took place at Mshadza near Masoyi outside White River.
According to police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, two armed suspects are said to have suddenly showed up in the house where a group of women had gathered.
It is alleged that after three women were given their share and left, two armed men entered the house.
They allegedly held the women hostage and robbed them of an undisclosed amount of cash.
“It is further indicated that when the suspects were leaving, one suspect shot at the woman who was later certified dead on arrival in hospital after she was transported by some members of the community.
A case of robbery with an additional charge of murder was opened. Members worked tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book,” he said.
Mohlala said preliminary investigations led the police to arrest two suspects, a man and woman, both aged 23.
“The investigation is still ongoing and police suspect that the robbery could have been orchestrated whereby suspects somehow knew about the women’s gathering prior to the incident. The team of experts in the field of investigation are working around the clock with an anticipation for more suspects to be arrested in connection with this case,” he said
The suspects are due to appear in the Kabokweni Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 14 December.
Mpumalanga police boss Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela has since warned members of the stokvel groups to be alert about criminals who target unsuspecting victims.
“This is indeed a sad story, hence we advise the groups to approach their respective banks for safe alternative methods such as electronic transfers to prevent incidents like this,” she said.
