Grandmother (82) found dead in grandson’s room in Vhembe
The decomposed body of an 82-year-old woman was found in her grandson's room after family members grew worried when she hadn't been seen for days.
LIMPOPO – ‘He kept saying she wasn’t there,’ says the family, who searched for their missing 82-year-old grandmother.
She was later found dead in her grandson’s room.
The decomposed body of Agnes Tshivhula was discovered at Mashau Magweni, after she had not been seen for nearly a week, in the outside room where her 24-year-old grandson stayed.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Vhembe community, already reeling from recent brutal attacks on elderly residents.
Family grew worried after days of no contact
The deceased’s daughter, Thandi Tshivhula, said the family became worried after her mother had not been seen since May 3. Relatives regularly checked on the elderly woman and spoke to her daily.
“One of our relatives went to the house on May 5 and asked the suspect where the granny was, upon which he said that she was not around. On May 6, another relative also went looking for her, but he again claimed that she had gone out,” Thandi said.
Body found, suspect fled
The family reportedly later searched the outside room where the suspect stayed. After the body was discovered, he fled the scene.
The community alerted the police, which led to his immediate arrest.
‘We want justice for our mother’
Thandi said the family was devastated by the incident.
“We were torn apart by this tragedy. This pain will stay with us forever. We want justice for our mother,” she said.
Community leaders condemn the killing
Ward councillor Sidney Thovhakale expressed shock over the incident.
“We visited the family and what we saw was heartbreaking. As community leaders, we strongly condemn this act. We are also concerned about the impact of drugs on our young people and the role of drug dealers in destroying communities,” he said.
Grandson appears in court
Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that the grandson had been arrested in connection with the murder.
“The suspect, Mutshidzi Tshivhula (24), appeared before the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court on May 18 on a charge of murder. The case was postponed to May 28, and police investigations are continuing,” said Dathi.
Tshivhula was buried on Saturday.
