LIMPOPO – The community of Tshidimbini outside Thohoyandou, is reeling from a double tragedy.

Khotsimunene Avhakholwi Tshivhase, acting traditional leader of the village, expressed his shock and sorrow over the recent death of a young man accused of beheading his brother.

“It was only a month ago when the village was horrified by the news of a younger brother who decapitated his older brother and displayed the head on a large rock for all to see,” Tshivhase said. “This is a tremendous loss for both the village and the Mashili family, who have now lost two members in such a brutal manner.”

Read more: Brother of decapitated Thohoyandou man charged with murder

The older brother was murdered, and now the younger brother, who was the prime suspect in the case, has died in hospital.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that Thohoyandou police have opened an inquest following the suspect’s death last Tuesday.

Ledwaba provided details of the incident: “The police were called to the hospital after the suspect, a 37-year-old male, died while receiving medical treatment. He was the main suspect in a murder and attempted murder case that occurred in Tshidimbini village on May 13. He is said to have killed his brother and attacked his brother’s wife and child.”

He said the man was arrested and held at Matatshe Prison.

“He was admitted to hospital on June 9 after complaining of illness. Regrettably, he passed away while receiving medical treatment. The exact cause of death remains unknown at this time, pending the results of a forthcoming autopsy,” Ledwaba added.

The police are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.