LIMPOPO – Maniini village outside Thohoyandou is reeling after a double tragedy that claimed the lives of a mother and her adult son last week.

Last Tuesday, a 77-year-old woman was found stabbed to death at her home in Maniini Block M.

According to community leader Edward Mphigalale, the incident has left the community shocked.

“We are devastated by what happened to the Makhanikhe family and are working with the police to ensure the suspects are brought to justice,” he said.

Thohoyandou police spokesperson WO Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that the woman’s son, Lawrence Makhanikhe (33) discovered her body.

“Upon arrival, officers found the deceased with multiple stab wounds to her upper body. A wire was also found around her neck,” said Dathi. Neighbours reported hearing screams around 03:30, but were unable to intervene due to the locked yard.

Tragedy struck again the following day, when the woman’s son was found dead inside the family garage with a rope around his neck and another rope hanging from the rafters.

Police are treating the case as an inquest.

“The motive is unknown, but all indications suggest that Lawrence may have been involved in his mother’s death before taking his own life,” said Dathi.

Investigations continue under the supervision of Sgt Mudau Tshikonelo Oscar (076 387 7780).

Both mother and son were laid to rest on Sunday, during an emotional funeral attended by family and community members.

Another family member had died in July, raising further concern among relatives.

Prince Makhanikhe, a family member, expressed the family’s ongoing grief: “We are still saddened by the double tragedy and worried about the series of losses that have struck our family in such a short period.”

Police continue their investigations into the mother’s murder while monitoring the inquest into the son’s death.