Parolee rapist and thief killed during house breaking
On Sunday evening of the 2nd of October 2022, a parolee who was aged 39, was fatally shot. It happened in Hendrina.This was after he was allegedly found inside a property that had been broken into.
The police were called to the Vlaakfontein property in Hendrinamro to respond to the shooting. When they arrived, authorities discovered Mr. Joseph Vilakazi’s deceased body with bullet wounds. Additionally, there were four people who introduced themselves to the police as farmers. They also said they were neighbours of an elderly couple who had gone to the hospital following the shooting to receive shock treatment.
According to the report, the couple had just returned from an outing when they arrived home at around 18:30. As they opened the door, an intruder approached them holding a knife in his hand.
The 70-year-old man then managed to shoot the accused suspect. Vilakazi, the parolee, is alleged to have attempted to escape through the upstairs window, during which he suffered additional wounds. On-site medical personnel declared the man deceased.
The suspect was previously connected to rape and home invasion cases, approximately 14 theft and housebreaking charges, and assault with the purpose to inflict serious bodily damage. As a result of his lengthy charges, he had previously received a 15-year jail sentence and was currently on parole.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting incident. The Director of Public Prosecution will thereafter make a judgment on the docket.
Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, has stated that a team of investigators will work tirelessly to look into the incident. In the meantime, the General expressed her concern about the attack by suspects on elderly people, including those in the farming community.