Vhembe’s Musangwe (bare-knuckle fighting) fraternity has been dealt a blow following the death of one of the region’s former champions, Mzamani Foster Chauke.
The 40-year-old Chauke, from Tshifudi Dimani outside Thohoyandou, allegedly took his own life on Valentine’s Day, 14 February, by hanging himself after an altercation with his wife. He had earlier attacked her with bricks, seriously injuring her. Fearing he had killed her, he apparently decided to take his own life by hanging himself from a tree.
Musangwe president Mr Pfarelo Mahadulula described Chauke’s death as a major loss to the fraternity.
“As Vhembe Musangwe, we feel robbed of one of our pillars. Chauke was one of the bravest fighters who became champion when I relinquished my Musangwe championship in 2006. He continued fighting until he left active competition a few years ago. He remained a loyal supporter of the sport, and we were with him during the off-season tournament last year. He was there encouraging the young ones to fight,” he said.
Mahadulula said the fraternity is saddened and disappointed by what happened.
“We urge all men to exercise maximum restraint and learn to control their anger when faced with problems. Everyone has problems, but there are ways of controlling and dealing with them. We are fortunate that the government has put institutions in place where residents can access free counselling. We therefore urge men not to resort to violence when faced with problems but to seek professional help,” Mahadulula said, adding that they send their profound condolences to the family.
Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident, saying police were alerted to the scene where a woman had been badly beaten but was still alive. She was taken to hospital.
Dathi said Chauke’s vehicle was found nearby, with his body hanging from a tree.
“We have since opened an inquest and attempted murder docket,” Dathi said.