Khalavha plantation murder suspect appears in Thohoyandou court
Residents of villages in Vhembe demand GBV intervention from President Cyril Ramaphosa as they say he was born and raised in Khalavha.
LIMPOPO – As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence started, angry residents from Khalavha, Fondwe, and Tshikombani villages in Vhembe gathered outside the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Chanting and singing, they held placards demanding action from President Cyril Ramaphosa to address gender-based violence and femicide, particularly since he was born and raised in Khalavha.
The protest followed the court appearance of Lawrence Mashawana Madega (51), who is facing six charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.
Madega was arrested after the naked body of 15-year-old Mukondeleli Manala was discovered in the Khalavha plantation in the Siloam policing area on November 12.
She had been reported missing a day earlier, and investigations revealed she was last seen with the suspect, who had apparently offered her a ride. Her body, bearing stab wounds and injuries suggesting sexual assault, was found during a search operation.
Col Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo police spokesperson, said that emergency medical personnel confirmed her death at the scene.
Additional charges were added to Madega’s case, including the murder of a woman whose burnt and unrecognisable body was discovered in the Thathe Vondo bushes on September 25, after she too was allegedly offered a ride by the accused.
Madega appeared briefly in court, requested legal aid representation, and abandoned his bail application.
His case was postponed to January 13 and he remains in custody.
Outside court, protesters demanded justice and called for no bail to be granted.
The Manala family spokesperson, Thivhulawi Netshivhodza, expressed the family’s devastation, describing Mukondeleli as a promising young woman who excelled academically and sang in her church choir. The family is struggling to come to terms with their tragic loss.
Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe condemned the incident and urged parents to be vigilant in protecting their children.
The case has sparked outrage in the community, with residents calling for action against gender-based violence and for the justice system to ensure accountability.
