The police in Thohoyandou are investigating the murder of a 40-year-old man from Muledane-Vhatukanani village, who was allegedly stabbed to death by a relative during a drinking spree at a local shebeen on Saturday, 29 October.
Acting Vhembe SAPS spokesperson Sgt Vuledzani Dathi said preliminary investigations had revealed that the deceased, Lufuno Mudzugu, and the suspect, Vhutshilo "Muvenda" Mudau, who also resides at Muledane-Vhatukani, had been drinking at a local shebeen when Mudau had fallen asleep. When Mudau woke up, he allegedly started accusing everyone of stealing his wallet and approached Mudzugu, who did not respond. "While the victim was standing looking at him, the suspect produced a knife and stabbed the victim in the back and chest. The suspect fled the scene immediately but was later arrested by the police," said Dathi.
Mudzugu was transported to the Tshilidzini Hospital, where he was certified dead.
Ms Doreen Mudzugu, the older sister of the deceased, said the family members were trying to come to terms with the senseless murder. "We don't understand how someone as handsome as Lufuno could just be killed like a chicken. He was stabbed twice without fighting back, as he was not the kind of person who fights. It is also a concern to us that Mudau was out on parole for murder and attempted murder. Now he has killed our beloved Lufuno," Doreen cried.
According to Doreen, Mudzugu's younger brother is married to Mudau's sister. "Mudau's family never even came to us to ask forgiveness for what had happened," she said.
Mudau appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 1 November, on charges of murder. His case was postponed to 9 November for a formal bail application.
Mudzugu will be buried in Muledane village's graveyard on Saturday, 5 November.