The apparent suicide of respected retired Correctional Services official, businessman and renowned traditional circumcision surgeon Vho Maine Vho Mashudu Wilfred Tshikororo (68) has sent shockwaves across Vhembe. It has also reignited painful memories of another respected local initiation surgeon's apparent suicide only three months ago.
Tshikororo was found dead at his late father's home in Muledane on Monday morning, 20 July, at about 07:00. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, which appears to have been self-inflicted. His death comes barely three months after the tragic death of respected traditional circumcision surgeon Mashudu Mugwedi of Muraga village near Thohoyandou, who disappeared in early April 2026 before his body was later found hanging from a tree, also in an apparent suicide.
The two deaths have left the traditional circumcision fraternity and communities across Vhembe grappling with the loss of two highly respected custodians of Vhavenda culture within such a short period.
According to information gathered by Limpopo Mirror, Tshikororo left his home early on Monday morning and drove to Muledane, where his elder brother lives and where he also operated a chicken business.
It is alleged that, after arriving, he handed documents to his brother before walking alone towards the garden. Moments later, family members heard a gunshot.
Family members rushed to the scene and found Tshikororo unresponsive. His licensed firearm was reportedly still in his right hand. He was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. No suicide note was found, and relatives said they were unaware of any personal, family or financial problems that could explain the tragedy.
As news of his death spread, scores of mourners gathered at the family home. His uncle, renowned African traditions and customs custodian Dr Mashudu Dima, described the death as a devastating shock.
“We were very close. Besides being my nephew, he was like a friend, and we shared almost everything,” Dima said.
“When he retired from Correctional Services, I introduced him to many traditional structures locally and nationally. I taught him many of the principles governing the circumcision tradition, and he grew to become one of the finest traditional circumcision surgeons. His death has left us devastated because he never showed any signs of stress. We will lay him to rest at his home this Saturday,” added Dima.
One of Tshikororo's former trainees, Maine Vho Witness Manwadu, said the tragedy had robbed the Vhavenda circumcision fraternity of one of its most respected mentors.
“He mentored me and made me the person I am today. We spoke on Saturday and again on Sunday, and he showed no signs of stress. I am still in disbelief. The saddest part is that no one knows why this happened,” said Manwadu.
Manwadu described Tshikororo as a strict disciplinarian who insisted that traditional initiation schools be conducted according to established customs while placing the safety and well-being of initiates above everything else.