Suspected domestic abuser dies in mob attack in Vhembe
The Limpopo police warn against mob justice after a Munzhedzi man accused of stabbing his girlfriend was beaten to death by residents.
LIMPOPO – A suspected abuser, accused of stabbing his girlfriend multiple times and leaving her critically injured in hospital, was beaten to death by a mob in Munzhedzi village in the early hours last Saturday. Police believe domestic violence was at the root of the incident.
The killing comes amid a spate of gender-based violence in the area. Earlier this month, three separate murders shocked the community:
On August 3, a teenage mother was arrested for allegedly strangling her three-month-old son.
On August 9, a 37-year-old man was apparently behind the murder of his 36-year-old partner, the rape of her 16-year-old daughter and disposing of the woman’s body in a pit toilet at a school in the area.
Read more: Vhembe GBV crisis alarms Limpopo government
Vhembe police spokesperson WO Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that the deceased, identified as 58-year-old Robert Mugudama, was found dead at the scene with stones and wooden sticks believed to have been used in the attack.
“Mob justice negatively impacts our communities and the course of justice,” Dathi warned, adding that a case of murder had been opened and urging residents with information to come forward.
Community leaders also spoke out strongly against abuse.
Calvin Nenguda, the chairperson of the Real Men Foundation, stressed the importance of breaking the silence: “Women and children have suffered enough, with some maimed and others scarred for life by those they trusted. Real men care for their families, and we are advocating against abuse in full view of our traditional leaders.”
Nenguda encouraged victims to seek help early, saying: “Women should report any abuse as soon as it begins, so it can be addressed before it escalates.”
He further called for stronger community partnerships to stop violence against women and children.
