In what many in the Vuwani area believe is the continuation of the sand-mining war that has been brewing in the region, a 41-year-old member of the royal Mabidi Mahandana family was brutally shot at close range by unknown attackers while overseeing sand mining operations at the local Tavha River. The man, later identified as Mr Thilivhali Elvis Mahandana, an elder brother of local traditional leader Vhamusanda Vho Nelson Mahandana Mabidi, later succumbed to his injuries at the local hospital.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves and fear through the peaceful community, occurred on Saturday night at around 20:00. Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said they had received an alert about the incident and rushed to the scene. "Upon arrival, officers learned that the victim had already been rushed to the local hospital for medical attention. They proceeded to the hospital, but unfortunately, the man was pronounced dead upon their arrival, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the back. We have since opened a murder case and launched a manhunt for the suspects," he said.
Speaking after the incident, an emotional Vhamusanda Mabidi said the killing had caused immense pain for him and the family. "We all know it is the war around sand mining, but we never thought it would reach this stage. As a younger brother, I am in so much pain. The whole royal family is in deep mourning, but we find solace in the fact that police are busy investigating and might soon arrest the killers. As a family, we will never rest until the killers are brought to book," he said.
Mabidi described the deceased as someone who always supported the royal family. "He is my blood brother who stood by me through thick and thin. The way he was killed will linger with me for the rest of my life. He will be sorely missed, and we are preparing to give him a befitting send-off. We will bury him at our sacred burial ground on Friday, 25 October," Mabidi said.
Mahandana is not the first royal to be killed over alleged sand-mining disputes. In 2023, an outspoken Davhana royal family member, Mr Vuwani Nesengani, was ambushed at his home while refuelling his truck and later succumbed to his injuries.
Col Ledwaba appealed to anyone with information to assist them in solving the case. "Those with information can contact the investigating officer, Sgt Mbereki Muthelo, at (082) 755-6895 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPSApp," Ledwaba said.