The longstanding chieftainship dispute at Mvelaphanda Lwamondo in Vuwani took a violent turn when the local traditional leader, Khosi Vho Tikaninne Netshivhale, was badly assaulted and admitted to the casualty ward of a local hospital by several assailants.
The incident, which left the traditional leader with serious injuries, occurred at Dzwerani Mirenzheni village on Wednesday, 11 June, at around 19:00. Rumours of the attack began circulating the following morning, with some initially claiming that the chief had been admitted to the intensive care unit.
The Netshivhale royal spokesperson, Mr Peter Nthambeleni Nemakhavhani, confirmed the incident but said the traditional leader was not in critical condition. "Yes, he was badly injured, but as I speak, he has improved so much and can even speak now," he said.
Nemakhavhani said he had been in Thohoyandou when he had received a call about the attack. "I could not reach the scene as I was far, but I heard the chief was badly assaulted and was also undressed by the suspect," he said.
According to Nemakhavhani, he was told that those present at the scene were threatened with a firearm. It was further alleged that the main suspect took the chief's mobile phones and clothing and went to the Vuwani Police Station, where he tried to open a case but was arrested instead.
"We strongly believe the attack was motivated by the longstanding land dispute we have with the senior traditional leader of Lwamondo, as we heard the suspect claimed he owned the whole of Lwamondo. This is uncalled for and very disturbing," he said.
Limpopo Mirror contacted Khosi Netshivhale's phone number twice, and the call was eventually answered by a woman who identified herself as his wife.
"The chief is still in a bad condition and he cannot take calls, but I can confirm that he is still hospitalised and that we have opened a case at the Vuwani Police Station," she said.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident, saying an attempted murder case had been opened.
"We can confirm that Vuwani police arrested a 49-year-old man for attempted murder, after a 39-year-old man was found on the street unable to talk and to walk, after he was allegedly severely assaulted by the suspect and other community members. The victim, identified as Mr Tikaninne Ntambudzeni Netshivhale, sustained visible injuries to his legs and was taken to a local medical facility for treatment. Police investigations are ongoing," he said.