GBV shock in LTT as missing woman’s body found
Residents of Munzhedzi in shock after a missing woman’s body was found. The suspect, her boyfriend, faces murder and rape charges.
LIMPOPO – Residents of Vleifontein in Munzhedzi and nearby villages are in shock following the discovery of a missing woman’s body at Tshiawelo Secondary School earlier this month.
Lavina Machava (36) went missing on August 9, seemingly after an argument with her boyfriend at a local liquor outlet. Her family reported her disappearance to police the following day.
On August 11, while community members were searching nearby bushes, police – led by the suspect – retrieved Machava’s body from a pit hole on the school premises. Learners were released early that morning to avoid exposure to the traumatic scene.
The boyfriend, who was arrested on the same day of the missing person’s report, confessed to the crime after his 16-year-old stepdaughter disclosed details of the incident to a friend of the deceased, who alerted authorities.
The suspect was arrested in a nearby village and subsequently appeared before the Tshitale Magistrate’s Court on August 12, where his bail application was denied. His case was postponed to September 11. He faces charges of murder and rape.
Machava’s family says they are struggling to come to terms with her death. Family spokesperson Ndivhudza Malema described her as a caring and joyful woman: “She was a woman who used to look after her children and next of kin. It still hurts us how she died, because she was always happy and never argued with anyone”.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Vuledzani Dathi condemned the incident, calling it unthinkable during Women’s Month.
“With the country celebrating Women’s Month, it is unthinkable that such deplorable acts of violence against women are still taking place.”
Traditional leader Chief Simon Rambau of Munzhedzi also expressed his dismay, saying this was the fourth such case in the area: “We are really shocked. This is Women’s Month, and we should be celebrating. These incidents place the region in a bad light. Despite campaigns against gender-based violence, we still find men perpetrating violence against women.”
The MEC for Social Development Florence Radzilani called for individuals facing family and relationship challenges to seek help.
“It is so sad to see a man taking the life of his partner in this manner. We reiterate our call for people to approach social workers for psychosocial support and our family preservation programmes.”
Machava was laid to rest on August 17 at Munzhedzi.
