LIMPOPO – While the rest of the country celebrates Women’s Month with various joyous events, several areas within Vhembe and Mopani were hit hard by heinous crimes.

Police sergeant kills wife, then set alight by community

A police sergeant stationed at the K9 unit in Thohoyandou, who is said to have shot dead his wife, also a police officer, was later set alight by an angry community. The incident happened at Nkuzanea Nkuna Kraal Mall.

The sergeant, identified as Ottaniel Mavhetha of the Thohoyandou K9 unit, reportedly shot his wife, Sergeant Rembuluwani Ramavhetha, who was stationed at the Musina Border Post.

After the shooting, he fled to his car, but bystanders chased and caught him, setting both him and his vehicle alight.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed receiving reports of the shooting on Saturday afternoon. Upon arrival, police found both bodies. “The motive for this incident appears to be linked to domestic violence. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe appealed to communities to seek professional help when facing domestic or relationship challenges.

“Police members must lead by example and use available support systems. Violence is never a solution, as it leads to loss of life,” she stated.

The MEC for Social Development, Florence Radzilani, condemned the incident, which comes amid ongoing concerns over gender-based violence and femicide in the Vhembe district.

She also referenced a recent case in Malamulele where a man killed his wife. “It is heartbreaking to witness these tragedies during Women’s Month. We urge communities to use family preservation programs and seek help from traditional leaders or professionals instead of resorting to violence,” Radzilani said.

She appealed to all couples facing difficulties to seek peaceful resolutions and support.

Separate stabbing case in Thohoyandou

In a separate matter, police in Thohoyandou arrested a 24 year-old-man for the stabbing of his 20-year-old younger brother, who later succumbed to his injuries at hospital on Sunday. Ledwaba said the arrest came after the police were summoned to the Donald Frazer Hospital.

On their arrival, the staff informed them of a man who died and had been stabbed prior. The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was engaged in a fight with his younger brother.

After the argument, the suspect took the victim to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The police investigation led to the arrest of a 24-year-old suspect, who is the brother of the deceased.

The man was set to appear in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing a charge of murder.

Mother arrested for strangling infant

Meanwhile, a 20-year-old mother from Munzhedzi village was arrested last Sunday after her three-month-old baby boy was found strangled. According to Ledwaba a case of murder was opened by the Bandelierkop police and is being investigated by the family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit.

Ledwaba explained that the woman had been sitting with family members outside their home when she took the baby inside. A short while later, relatives apparently found her strangling the child. The infant was rushed to a local hospital, where he was declared dead.

“The woman was traced and arrested shortly after the incident. She is currently facing a charge of murder,” said Ledwaba, adding that the motive for the killing remains unknown at this stage. The accused appeared in the Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court last Monday.

The incident has left the community reeling. Local representative Muvhango Masindi said residents were shocked.

“We are ashamed. This tragedy has robbed us of our dignity as a village. We are trying our best to support the grieving family, but it is not easy to process something so painful,” he said.

Liquor outlet stabbing leaves man dead

In yet another case a 25-year-old man from Madombidzha, Thendo Davhana, was stabbed to death at a liquor outlet in the early hours last Sunday.

While details of the incident remain unclear, a police report indicates that an argument broke out between Davhana and the suspect, a teenager. The confrontation reportedly turned violent, and Davhana was stabbed multiple times with a sharp instrument.

He died while being transported to hospital. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Vuledzani Dathi said the incident had occurred at about 01:30 at one of the liquor outlets in Madombidzha. “The suspect is said to have stabbed Davhana several times in the head,” he confirmed.

He added that police were alerted by community members who had witnessed the incident. “When the police arrived at the scene, the victim was lying on the ground,” he said.  A case of murder was opened, and the suspect was arrested.

The father of the deceased, Thomas Madaheni, said the family was devastated.

“The incident has left our family traumatised and it will take a long time and specialised counselling for us to recover fully,” he said. “The untimely death of Thendo has robbed the family of a good person.”

The suspect, who is 17-years-old, appeared in the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court last Monday and the case was postponed to this week for bail application.

Davhana was buried in Ramantsha on Sunday.