Community angry over delayed response to murder

Community members have expressed their anger after a stabbing victim was allegedly left unattended for three hours after collapsing in Santa Zone, Galeshewe, earlier this week.

COMMUNITY members have been left aggrieved this week after a stabbing victim was allegedly left unattended for three hours after collapsing in Santa Zone, Galeshewe.

Relatives of those killed, along with community members and the local Community Policing Forum (CPF), reported visiting Galeshewe police station on November 25 to appeal for urgent assistance.

One community member said it was “unacceptable” to leave the victim outside in inclement weather and rain for so long.

CPF member Johannes November said he was notified of the murder around 4 p.m.

“It is believed that the deceased was with his cousin at the time of the stabbing. He was injured on Lynch Street and collapsed. He was apparently suffering from internal bleeding,” November said.

Victoria Mabote, a family member, reported being told that police officers were changing shifts at the time and could only respond to the call after holding the parade.

While the emergency services were unable to intervene after the victim died at the scene, it was reported that the police arrived only after 19:00 in the evening.

SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the Galeshewe Serious and Violent Crime Unit was investigating a case of murder following the fatal stabbing of a 23-year-old man in Santa Galeshewe on Monday.

He added that police arrested a 19-year-old suspect in connection with the murder.

“Any dissatisfaction with police behavior can be reported to the station commander or the SAPS complaints department in the inspection unit,” Shemane advised.