Zimbabwean National Fatally Stabbed in Limpopo, Two Suspects Arrested

Two suspects have been arrested in Limpopo after a 47-year-old Zimbabwean national was fatally stabbed inside his vehicle in Westenburg, South African police have confirmed (image source)

LIMPOPO — South African police have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a 47-year-old Zimbabwean national who was fatally stabbed inside his vehicle in Westenburg, Limpopo, earlier this week.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the victim, identified as Philip Mabusha, was found dead inside his red Ford Ranger on Tuesday, January 13. The vehicle, bearing Limpopo registration plates, was parked along a gravel road at Ivydale plot when officers from Westenburg police station responded to a report of a stabbing.

Upon arrival, police discovered Mabusha seated in the driver’s seat with multiple stab wounds to his upper body. Emergency medical services were called to the scene but declared him dead on arrival.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly lured the victim to the area under the guise of discussing price quotations. “The preliminary report suggests that the suspects called the victim to meet and discuss price quotations at the crime scene. It is not clear what transpired before the victim was fatally stabbed,” Mashaba said.

Following the incident, community members reportedly apprehended one of the suspects. Mashaba confirmed that the suspect sustained injuries after being assaulted by members of the public and is currently receiving medical treatment while under police guard. A second suspect was arrested the following day, Wednesday, January 14.

Police have opened a murder case against the two suspects. In addition, a separate case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm has been registered against community members involved in the alleged mob assault.

The acting provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers (image source)

The acting provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, urged residents to refrain from vigilantism and allow law enforcement to carry out investigations. “We call upon community members to resist the temptation of taking the law into their own hands and allow the police to do their work without interference,” Scheepers said.

The motive for the killing remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. The suspects are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, January 16.