By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE – A man from Mmotong in Moletjie, outside Polokwane, is recovering from severe burn injuries after he was allegedly attacked by his girlfriend during a heated argument.
The victim, Moshe Manamela, reportedly sustained serious burns after hot cooking oil was poured on him. The suspected attacker, who is known in the community, has not yet been arrested. Police in Seshego have also not yet released an official statement regarding the matter.
Initial claims on social media suggested that Seshego Police Station refused to help Manamela when he attempted to report the incident.
A Facebook post by community activist Phuti Sako alleged that Manamela was turned away and told that both he and his partner would be arrested if he insisted on opening a case.
The post caused widespread outrage online, with Sako accusing the police of failing the victim while the alleged perpetrator “walks free”.
The post drew the attention of Deputy Minister of Police Polly Boshielo, who responded publicly and escalated the issue to the Limpopo SAPS Provincial Commissioner for urgent intervention.
However, the Office of Limpopo MEC for Social Development, Violet Mathye, later clarified that the situation was not as initially presented on social media. After contacting Manamela directly, the MEC’s office established that he had not been turned away by Seshego SAPS.
He confirmed that he was the one who initially refused to open a case because he feared the legal process might jeopardise his employment.
He also stated that the suspect had intended to open a counter-charge of common assault, and he felt the matter might complicate his situation further. Manamela explained that he had instead opted to apply for a protection order and added that he was not the person who shared the matter online.
Given the severity of his injuries, the MEC’s office strongly advised him to reconsider his decision.
At the time of the intervention, Manamela had already secured an appointment with the Seshego SAPS Station Commander, Brigadier Shirinda, who confirmed he was aware of the circulating reports and was ready to assist.
Following further discussions, Manamela agreed to open a case, and Seshego SAPS has since registered a case of attempted murder. Attempts by the MEC’s office to reach him again on the afternoon of 8 December were unsuccessful, but officials say they will continue monitoring the situation.
MEC Violet Mathye condemned the alleged attack, calling it a disturbing act of domestic violence. She emphasised that communities must avoid spreading unverified reports that could create unnecessary tension between the public and law-enforcement agencies.
The MEC added that the rights and safety of all residents remain a priority and assured the public that both the Department and SAPS leadership are closely following developments.
The National Prosecuting Authority will determine the next steps once all evidence is submitted, and officials have reiterated that any proven police misconduct will be dealt with appropriately.
