The quiet village of Lwamondo, outside Thohoyandou, has been gripped by fear following the discovery of a body believed to be that of a local man who went missing more than a month ago.
The body, suspected to be that of 30-year-old Emmanuel Ndivhudzannyi Maila, was found floating in the Dzindi River between Lwamondo and Mapate on Wednesday afternoon, 15 April. The discovery was made by a passerby and has heightened anxiety in a community already reeling from a similar recent incident.
Maila reportedly went missing on 7 March after attending a family funeral in neighbouring Mapate, where he had gone to bury his aunt. He was last seen the following day and never returned home.
His father, Thanyani Maila, described the moment he learned of the discovery as devastating.
“I was at church when I received the news. I rushed to the river, and what I saw was terrible,” he said.
According to the grieving father, the condition of the body raised serious concerns.
“His breasts had been cut. When we saw him again at the government mortuary, parts of his face, including the lips, were missing. His clothes were tied around his head. It was deeply disturbing.”
The family identified Maila through a birthmark and his teeth. While they have stopped short of making accusations, Maila said he believes his son may have been murdered.
“As a father, I strongly believe there is more to this. We are leaving everything in the hands of the police, but we want justice.”
A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said residents are living in fear.
“Just last month, another body believed to be that of a deputy principal was found dumped in the bushes, allegedly burned with acid. Now this. People are scared. Some believe there could be a syndicate operating here. As a community we should forget our political affiliations and fight this demon together,” he said.
Police have confirmed the incident.
Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi said the deceased was found wearing only underwear. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt Thivhilaheli Nthangeni on 072 726 6453.