LIMPOPO – Family members and residents of Madombidzha are seeking answers after the partially decomposed body of a 53-year-old man was discovered in a shack at his home on October 1.

Mashudu Mugovhoro, who lived alone, was last seen alive on September 26. His body was discovered by a friend who had gone to check on him after not seeing him for several days.

According to his aunt, Ester Maphophe, the friend alerted the community, family and the police after finding him dead.

The tragedy has left the family struggling to come to terms with their loss.

“I cannot even look them in the eye; grief is written all over their faces,” Maphophe said.

She added that the family was awaiting DNA tests involving Mugovhoro’s parents, to be conducted by a private doctor, before they could bury him.

Family suspects foul play

The family suspects foul play and believes Mugovhoro may have been killed elsewhere before his body was dumped in the shack.

“The house next to the shack was found unlocked. We want the police to conduct a thorough investigation and find the perpetrator,” Maphophe said.

She suspects that someone who knew the property well may have gained access through a hole in the fence.

“It was obviously somebody who knows the place very well,” she said.

Community shocked

Mushoni Mukwevho, representing the local traditional council, said the incident had shocked the community and was the first of its kind in Madombidzha village.

“We are deeply shocked and request community members to come forward with more information, because whoever did this deserves to rot in jail. We send our deepest sympathy to the family. We will be with you and give you the necessary support wherever possible,” he said.

Mukwevho condemned the incident and urged residents not to take the law into their own hands.

He said the traditional council had asked the police to increase patrols to help restore safety in the village.

Police confirm inquest

Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that the Tshilwavhusiku police had opened an inquest following the discovery.

She appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact their nearest police station or call the police toll-free number on 08600 10111.