Double murder at Mashau

A 20-year-old man, Hulisani Makhaga, who allegedly shot and kiled his girlfriend and her mother in cold blood, briefly appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The incident took place at Ha-Mashau on Friday evening after a dispute between him and his 19-year-old girlfriend, Tondani Mashau. She was in Grade 11 at Maligana Secondary School and Makhaga is the father of her 19-month-old baby. He is a pupil of Vhudzani Secondary School and had completed his examinations last Friday.

According to the police, it is suspected that Makhaga had stolen his grandfather’s firearm and gone to the home of Tondani at Ha-Mashau Thondoni and shot them. A manhunt was launched after the incident and Makhaga was arrested on Saturday morning after he had retreated to his home.

A family spokesperson, Ms Tshinanne Mashau, said that the family members were still shocked and very disturbed about the death of the two. She said that Mathaga allegedly entered the house and shouted A thi taliwi, meaning "you can't dump me".

According to her, her mother, Ms Dora Mashau, tried to stop him from entering the house, but he pushed her away and entered. "He shot Tondani in the chest and back, and I jumped out through the window. I hid behind the house and Mathaga saw my sister, Florence, attending to the baby in front of the house and he shot her. She tried to run away and he chased her and shot and killed her," she said. Florence was Tondani's mother.

She added that the family had still expected a lot from Tondani. "I want to see justice done. Tondani was very focused on education, and I expected her to complete her studies, so that she could help the family," she added.

Makhaga’s case has been postponed to 7 January 2014 to allow him to get legal representation. According to the police, he faces two charges of murder and one of theft of a firearm.

A former police officer and grandfather of the accused, Mr Takalani Makhaga, also appeared in the same court, facing a charge of negligent handling of a fire arm. His case was postponed to 9 January for trial. He is out on a warning.

Limpopo’s provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Fannie Masemola, has expressed shock, sadness and outrage following the death of the two women.

Masemola said: "I’m saddened to learn about this horrendous and shocking incident. We as police remain firm that such selfish actions shall not deter us from our determination to keep our society safe from useless criminals. On behalf of the police leadership, we express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim and wish the families strength and comfort during this difficult period of loss of loved ones."

The two will be buried today (Friday) at Tshiendeulu Tsha Vhakololo Ha- Mashau. The service will start at 16:00.

Also Read:

20 March 2015 - 18 Years in prison for double murder

Date:06 December 2013

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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