Community mourns Vhembe woman murdered in GBV case
The Vhembe community mourns the death of Mudzunga Ramalata, a victim of gender-based violence, urging action to combat GBV in the region.
LIMPOPO – The MEC for Social Development, Florence Radzilani, urged all stakeholders to unite with government in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). At the emotional funeral of Mudzunga Ramalata (29), a woman said to have been murdered by her boyfriend, Radzilani expressed deep concern over the rising GBV cases in the Vhembe district, which is ranked first in the province for such crimes. She was joined by Thulamela Mayor Sarah Rambuda and traditional leaders.
“We, as a government, join together in mourning with the Ramalata family in Dzimauli, Harambuda, deeply concerned about the killings of women and children. We urge pastors, social workers, and all stakeholders to help us in this fight against GBV,” said Radzilani.
The funeral of Mudzunga, who was reportedly murdered by her boyfriend, Dakalo Nemangwele (34) on January 17, was held in Dzimauli, Harambuda, in Mutale on Sunday. Her body was found dumped in Kromdraai in the Free State, and her boyfriend, along with a suspected accomplice, appeared in the Free State Magistrate’s Court on January 27.
The case was postponed to Monday this week. A third suspect was arrested on January 22 and found in possession of two unlicensed firearms, including a hunting rifle with ammunition.
Radzilani stressed the importance of police investigators maintaining communication with the bereaved families and ensuring that they are kept informed. The couple, originally from Hamabila village, had been reported missing on January 17.
On January 22, Ramalata’s body was found along the N1 in Kromdraai, with multiple gunshot wounds. Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo police spokesperson, confirmed that the suspect was charged with murder.
He said the third suspect initially misled the police, claiming that the deceased’s husband had borrowed money from him and was planning to seek spiritual assistance in Zimbabwe. Investigations revealed this was false, and it was discovered that the suspect had conspired with the husband to murder the woman.
Ramalata is survived by a child, Dakalo Nemangwele Junior.
