The search for Ernest Nephiphidi from Halambani Nzanwe, who went missing on the evening of Wednesday, 13 September, did not end well when his lifeless body was found floating in the nearby Luvuvhu River.
Reports indicated that he was last seen alive by his wife, Ms Rofhiwa Munyai. According to a reliable source, Munyai was sleeping when she suddenly heard her husband shouting loudly that some people were threatening to kill him. Nephiphidi, who was outside in the yard at the time, instructed his wife not to follow him and ran away. This was at around 21:45 the evening.
Efforts were made to locate Nephiphidi at relatives, friends, and surrounding areas he frequently visited, but all in vain - until his body was found floating in the river four days later.
Vhembe SAPS acting spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that a body was found in the Luvuvhu River on Sunday, 17 September. "We have since opened an inquest docket and hope that this will determine the cause of death," he said.
On behalf of the family, Mr John Nephiphidi Maseule said the family was utterly devastated by the incident. "This is very bad as we had hoped he would be found alive, but the worst happened. We are now busy with the funeral arrangements and plan to lay him to rest on Thursday, 21 September," he said.