The body of a traditional leader from Khakhaṅwa Mulenzhe, outside Thohoyandou, was found in a bushy area a few kilometres from his home on Thursday. He had gone missing on Saturday, 2 November, prompting a frantic search by family and local community members.
Many questions remain regarding the sudden disappearance of the 50-year-old Vhamusanda Vho Maṱodzi Nthakheni Ramabulana, who left his home in the early morning hours two weeks ago and was not seen again.
His sister, Vho Makhadzi Vho Monica Tshililo Ramabulana, confirmed his death, saying the royal family has been plunged into deep mourning. "Our hearts are torn apart, I can tell you," she said.
She added that the family had held onto hope he would be found alive, but this was not to be. On Thursday, a local resident out hunting in the bushes made the grisly discovery. Vho Makhadzi explained that the man who discovered the body rushed to inform others, and family members were then notified. "This is a total blow to us as a family," she said.
The spokesperson for the Vhembe SAPS, Warrant Officer Vuledzani Dathi, confirmed the incident, stating that an inquest docket has been opened. "So far, no one knows what happened, but the decomposed body had a [electric] cable around the neck," he said. The body was found beneath the tree from which it had hung, with another piece of cable still tied to the tree. It appears that at some stage, the cable broke. "We urge the community to remain calm and allow the police the space to work on the case," said Dathi.
This is a developing story.