Tributes pour in for strangled Limpopo traffic cop
The Mutale community mourns the murder of traffic officer Mbulaheni Patrick Netshidzivhani, whose body was found after being hijacked and killed.
LIMPOPO – The community of Mutale is in mourning following the brutal murder of Mbulaheni Patrick Netshidzivhani (56), a well-known and respected traffic officer at the Mutale Traffic Centre.
Netshidzivhani was hijacked and killed at the Khunguni mountains last Sunday. His lifeless body was discovered on Tuesday night after an extensive search.
Netshidzivhani was reported missing after he did not return home from his routine fitness exercises. The police launched an investigation, leading to the discovery of his vehicle, marked ‘for sale’ at R9 000.
Four suspects, including three men and one woman, were apprehended, with two suspects, Rotshidzwa Munyai (25) and Muano Nekhubvi (21), linked to the murder.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said preliminary investigations suggest Netshidzivhani had been strangled. The suspects appeared in Mutale Magistrate Court on January 16 and remain in custody as investigations continue.
The late officer’s brother, Mmbengeni Netshidzivhani, described his sibling as a dedicated professional and expressed shock over the senseless crime.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the investigative team for their swift action. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of senior provincial inspector Netshidzivhani,” she said.
The MEC for Transport, Violet Mathye, visited the bereaved family in Hamakhuvha village to offer condolences, reminding them that “God shall always be with them during this difficult time”.
