LIMPOPO – Two villages in Vhembe have been left reeling after back-to-back tragedies in which intimate partner violence is suspected to have claimed several lives and shattered families.

The latest incident occurred at Muananzhele village near Vleifontein, where the lifeless bodies of a couple were discovered in a room on November 5. It is believed the man killed his girlfriend before hanging himself.

Read more: Limpopo couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide

Just days earlier, at Makatu village, a woman was reportedly murdered by her 48-year-old boyfriend on November 3, while her 16-year-old daughter was seriously injured in the attack.

The woman was identified as 50-year-old Mihloti Martha Baloyi from Nwaxinyamane.

Read more: Limpopo man nabbed after girlfriend’s murder and attack on her daughter

The deaths have left both communities overwhelmed with shock and grief. Although the exact circumstances remain unclear, domestic violence is strongly suspected in both cases.

According to Vhembe police spokesperson WO Vuledzani Dathi, a murder and an inquest docket have been opened in the Muananzhele case.

He urged couples experiencing difficulties to seek help from professionals, clerics, pastors, and organisations offering free support.

“We would like to urge people to desist from violence in the event of misunderstandings. They should rather resolve disputes amicably or opt for counselling to avoid unnecessary loss of life,” he said.

He confirmed that no foul play was suspected in the man’s death and that investigations into the tragedy were ongoing.

News of the incident spread quickly, drawing crowds from surrounding areas.

Family spokesperson Charity Khomola said the incident had taken them completely by surprise. “It came as a shock to us, having to lose two people in one day. We are very sad,” she said.

“It will be very hard to forget what has happened. We are very hurt as we do not even know what exactly happened to our family members.”

Chairperson of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Phineus Lefuwa, visited the family of the deceased and expressed deep disappointment that people continued to resort to violence.

“This is bad and heart-breaking,” he said. He emphasised that several structures and organisations were available to assist couples in distress.

“All we can do now is appeal to the community not to resort to violence. Couples should approach pastors, social workers or other professional structures that can help them,” he added.