Farmer’s murder suspects arrested near Thohoyandou
Two suspects have been arrested for the murder of Tshaulu farmer Thifhelim Netshilaphala. The family hopes justice will now be served.
LIMPOPO – The family of Thifhelim David Netshilaphala, a farmer killed in Tshaulu village near Thohoyandou, has expressed relief following the arrest of the suspects accused of his murder. Datian Fuwela (32) and Winners Fuwela (21) appeared in a packed Malamulele Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday, facing charges of murder and stock theft. Their case has been postponed to March 28 while they search for legal aid, and they were remanded in custody until their next court appearance.
Family spokesperson Mashudu Makuya expressed the family’s grief over the killing of Netshilaphala, who was also the family’s breadwinner. “We hope justice will prevail, and we want the suspects to tell the court who sent them to kill our loved one.”
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, on February 27, the 62-year-old Netshilaphala went to his kraal near Xikundu village to check on his cattle. Upon arrival, he discovered that three of his cattle were missing.
Two days later, Netshilaphala was reported missing at the Saselamani police, prompting the community to take action. Several homes belonging to suspects were set alight, resulting in one arrest for arson.
The search for Netshilaphala continued until March 10, when farmers provided valuable information leading to the identification and arrest of two suspects, aged between 21 and 31, in the Hlanganani area in Mopani.
The suspects were linked to the murder, and they subsequently led police to a crime scene where they had dumped the victim’s body. The body was positively identified as that of the missing farmer by his next of kin.
The police are still looking for the remaining suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Officer Capt Tshilande Nkangweleni at 082 414 2989 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPSApp.
Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe commended the swift response by police members, which led to the arrest of the murder and stock theft suspects. She also reminded residents not to take the law into their own hands.
