Limpopo police have slammed a wave of “distorted and misleading” social media claims following a Seshego domestic violence case, in which a woman allegedly poured boiling cooking oil on her boyfriend during an argument. Authorities say online outrage is fuelled by misinformation and insist officers never refused to assist the couple.
According to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, several misleading posts have caused unnecessary panic. He said a verified sequence of events has now been established.
Mashaba said the incident occurred on December 4 and involved a 28-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man who were engaged in a heated dispute.
The woman went to the Seshego SAPS Community Service Centre after she was allegedly assaulted.
“After the officer interviewed her, she indicated that she preferred to apply for a protection order rather than open a criminal case,” Mashaba explained.
Police contacted the man, who arrived at the station while the woman was still present. Officers observed severe burn injuries on him.
“Officers informed him that they intended to open an attempted murder case against the woman, while she wanted to file an assault common charge. Both parties were advised that they would be arrested based on the injuries sustained,” he said.
Mashaba said the man then opted not to open a case, explaining that his employer discouraged workers from having pending criminal matters. He confirmed that his burn wounds were caused by hot cooking oil allegedly thrown at him during the altercation.
“Contrary to the circulating claims, police did not refuse to assist. The couple chose protection orders, and SAPS 508A forms were duly completed and recorded in the Domestic Violence Register,” Mashaba emphasised.
He added that SAPS leadership and a social worker later traced the man, who again confirmed he did not want to lay charges. The viral messages, Mashaba said, were shared by the victim’s younger brother, not the victim himself.
Meanwhile, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the spread of unverified claims and stressed the seriousness of gender-based violence.
“We are well aware that President Ramaphosa has declared gender-based violence a national disaster. It remains a criminal offence, and victims are within their rights to invoke the laws put in place to protect them,” Hadebe said.
As part of protocol, Hadebe said a social worker had already provided psychosocial support to the couple, and a follow-up meeting was held on December 8. They were also expected to visit their nearest Magistrate’s Court to finalise their protection order applications.
Hadebe urged the public to act responsibly online.
“Misinformation may hinder investigations and cause unnecessary panic,” she warned.
The Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, has also condemned the alleged assault and urged the victim to open a case due to the severity of his injuries.
Department spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala said the victim had already met with Seshego Station Commander Brigadier Shirinda when Mathye intervened.
“Following further engagement, the victim changed his mind and agreed to open a case. Seshego SAPS has since registered a case of attempted murder,” he said.
He added that the department could not reach the victim again on December 8 but will continue monitoring the matter. Taueatsoala reminded the public that both parties have the right to open a case and SAPS must register any complaint.
Mathye said: “Such extreme acts of domestic violence have no place in our society… Justice must be allowed to take its course.” She also cautioned against spreading unverified information.
The Star
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