The body of 37-year-old Ndivhuwo Ramovha, who went missing from his home in Ha-Matsa Village, Nzhelele, was found nearly three weeks later in nearby shrubs. His eyes had allegedly been removed and the body smeared with what appears to be muti.
Ramovha was last seen on 7 July when he left home to visit a nearby spaza shop. His body was discovered on 18 July. A family member, Mr Ntanganedzeni Ramovha, told the Limpopo Mirror that the discovery had shocked the family as they had already searched the same area, without success.
"We searched all over, including among the shrubs, but never found him. What is shocking is the discovery of his lifeless body on the 18th in the same place we searched before. The body was still fresh, like it was stored in a freezer. We have buried him, but the entire family is devastated because we are suspecting that this was a ritual murder," he said.
Ramovha said the police had not provided any updates and that the family was still seeking answers. They were promised post-mortem results within 30 days. The victim was buried on 30 July.
Limpopo police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that a murder case had been opened. He cautioned communities against jumping to conclusions that the death was linked to ritual killing, saying the cause would be determined by an autopsy. He urged anyone with relevant information to contact the police.