Who killed the Limpopo mom and daughter? Sangoma found with victims' heads
Image: SAPS
Two additional suspects have been apprehended for the brutal murder of the Limpopo mother, aged 34, and her two-year-old daughter.
On Saturday, IOL reported that the two went missing in May, sparking an extensive search.
On Friday, police conducted an operation at Hlabeni, under the Saselamani policing area, and arrested a 55-year-old man.
'Further police investigations led the (police) members to the residence of a 38-year-old traditional healer at Muraga village under the Thohoyandou precinct. The traditional healer was allegedly found in possession of the missing heads of the two victims and was also placed under arrest,' said provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
It is reported that on Wednesday, police followed a credible lead which led to the discovery of the bodies of the mother and her daughter.
Following the gruesome discovery, the two suspects were linked to the incident and were immediately arrested.
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Police said Tshilidzi Phalandwa, 43, and Balangani Sedzani Tshivhombedze, 32, appeared before the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Friday. The duo was remanded in custody, and the matter was postponed to 12 August for further investigation.
Meanwhile, two other suspects aged 55 and 38, are set to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Monday, facing charges of murder.
Furthermore, police said a charge of possession of human tissue will be added against the 38-year-old man, the traditional healer.
Police have also established that one of the arrested suspects is alleged to be the boyfriend of the deceased woman.
'The motive behind this heinous act of crime is still under investigation,' said Ledwaba.
Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrests, and she saluted the investigating teams 'for their remarkable skill' which resulted in the tracking down of the alleged killers.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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