The residents of Manavhela in the Kutama area were shocked to learn of the death of a man who had allegedly been stabbed by his older brother during the early hours of Sunday, 8 February. The 31-year-old brother had reportedly returned home from a drinking spree.
According to Vhembe police spokesperson Capt Vuledzani Dathi, the older brother arrived home around 03:30 with his girlfriend and found his younger brother, Ndamulelo Ndou (28), asleep in the room they were sharing. Dathi said the older brother allegedly ordered Ndou to leave the room and became angry when he refused. The confrontation escalated, resulting in Ndou being stabbed in the neck and chest before the older brother left the scene with his girlfriend.
The older brother was traced and arrested later the same day.
According to the brothers’ sister, Ms Thabelo Ndou, the siblings had allegedly argued for some time before the dispute ended in bloodshed. Thabelo, who lives in a distant village, said she received a call informing her of the incident.
“We were informed about the young brother's death and it came as a shock to learn that the one who had stabbed him was our own older brother,” she said.
“We are hurting as a family,” Thabelo added. “The suspect had always been problematic and would fight with his younger brother whenever he was drunk. We are not sure what they were fighting about. We loved both men and had never thought that one would end up killing the other.”
The suspect, 31-year-old Emmanuel Ndou, appeared at the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 February. His case was postponed until 27 March for a formal bail application.
Ndamulelo will be buried on Saturday, 14 February, at Manavhela. The service will start at 06:00.