An alleged notorious criminal, 24-year-old Mukhethwa Ngobeni, was stabbed to death during a fight with two brothers in Ha-Mashau Mukhoro in the Levubu policing area.
News of Ngobeni's death began circulating on Sunday morning, 14 December. Known as "Mkhonto" in the criminal underworld and as Mashau Mukhoro in the area where he lived, he was widely regarded by residents as a menace to the community.
Ngobeni was accused of terrorising residents and was allegedly linked to a series of crimes, including stabbings, robberies, rapes and muggings. He was feared in the area because of his violent lifestyle.
It is widely believed that Ngobeni had had a premonition about his death. A source close to him said he had written on social media that if he did not die in December, he would drown himself in alcohol.
While some community members initially believed he had been stoned to death, the police have confirmed that he was stabbed.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi said two brothers had been arrested in connection with the killing.
"The police in Levubu have effected an arrest on two brothers who are suspected of the murder of the 24-year-old Mukhethwa Ngobeni at Ha-Mashau Mukhoro. It is alleged that the three were engaged in a fight where one of the brothers took out a knife and stabbed the victim to death. The suspects, aged 29 and 36, and will appear before Vuwani Magistrate's Court in due course," he said.
Ngobeni's death has sparked mixed reactions in the community, with many residents expressing relief and celebrating his death, while others have sympathised with his family.
A resident who asked not to be named said Ngobeni had become the most feared person in the village.
W/O Dathi confirmed that Ngobeni was well known to the police and had been arrested on numerous occasions.