Residents from Ha-Magidi expressed relief when the body of a 29-year-old man, believed to be a member of a feared gang terrorising the communities of Ha-Magidi and surrounding villages, was found hanging from a tree near his home on Wednesday, 12 July.
The deceased, Tshisamphiri Netshirembe, was allegedly part of a gang involved in burglary, rape, pickpocketing, theft, and robbery of hawkers in Sibasa and Thohoyandou. He had been in and out of court multiple times for various crimes, and his presence instilled fear in many.
A woman from the village discovered the lifeless body while collecting firewood from the bushes at Ha-Magidi. She immediately alerted the community and the police, stating that Netshirembe was known for robbing community members and threatening them with dangerous knives.
According to Sgt Vuledzani Dathi, acting SAPS spokesperson in the Vhembe region, the police in Thohoyandou have opened an inquest into the incident. Netshirembe's brother, Mmboneni Netshirembe, identified the body.
In another case, the police registered an inquest, following the discovery of an unknown female body at the local graveyard in Mbaleni village on Friday, 14 July. The police received a call from a community member, reporting the body. The investigation is ongoing.
The police are appealing to anyone with information about the deceased woman to contact Detective Warrant Officer Siaga at 082 469 2302 or 015 960 1000.