Key Takeaways
- Johanna Mathibela, a 54-year-old community health worker, was attacked in her home on December 24, 2025, and suffered serious injuries.
- The incident occurred in Sehlakwane Village, Limpopo, when her RDP house was allegedly set alight.
- The family is demanding justice and is living in fear, as three unknown men were seen asking about Johanna at the hospital where she is being treated.
- The police have opened an inquiry and are continuing to investigate the incident.
- The family is traumatised and confused, as they do not know who would want to harm Johanna, who is described as a kind and gentle person.
Introduction to the Incident
Johanna Mathibela, a 54-year-old community health worker, was attacked in her home on December 24, 2025, in a horrific incident that has left her family demanding justice. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning in Sehlakwane Village, Limpopo, when her RDP house was allegedly set alight, leaving her with serious injuries. Johanna’s daughter, Siphiwe Mathibela, described the incident as the family’s worst nightmare, saying that they are still trying to come to terms with what happened.
The Attack and Rescue
According to Siphiwe, the incident happened when neighbours noticed smoke coming from the house and rushed to help. They were able to rescue Johanna, who was inside the house when the fire started. Siphiwe said that her mother was rushed to hospital, where she is being treated for injuries to her face and right arm, as well as smoke inhalation. The RDP house was completely burnt down, with all the furniture and clothes reduced to ashes. The family is grateful to the neighbours who rescued Johanna, saying that they do not know what would have happened if they had not intervened.
The Family’s Fear and Demand for Justice
The family is living in fear, as they do not know who would want to harm Johanna. Siphiwe said that her mother is a kind and gentle person who does not have any enemies. The family is demanding justice, saying that they want the police to arrest the people who carried out the attack. Their fear grew when three unknown men allegedly went to the hospital where Johanna is being treated, asking about her. Siphiwe said that this incident has made them realise that the suspects are still roaming the streets, and they are scared that they might come back to finish what they started.
The Police Investigation
The police have opened an inquiry into the incident and are continuing to investigate. Limpopo police spokesman Colonel Stephen Thakeng confirmed the incident, saying that the police found a three-roomed RDP house completely burnt down when they arrived at the scene. He said that Johanna was rescued by neighbours and rushed to hospital, where she is being treated for her injuries. The police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, saying that they are working to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Community’s Reaction
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many people expressing their outrage and sadness at what happened. The community is rallying around the family, offering them support and assistance during this difficult time. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety and security of community health workers, who often work in isolated areas and may be vulnerable to attacks. The community is calling for greater protection and support for these workers, saying that they play a vital role in providing healthcare services to rural areas.
Conclusion
The attack on Johanna Mathibela is a horrific incident that has left her family demanding justice. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of community health workers, and the community is calling for greater protection and support for these workers. The police are continuing to investigate the incident, and the family is living in fear, waiting for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The incident is a reminder of the importance of community health workers and the need to protect and support them as they work to provide healthcare services to rural areas.