Attacks on elderly persons are increasing at an alarming rate in the Vhembe area. Last month, 63-year-old Willy Razwisani Nesengani, who lived alone at Tshino Mukondeleli, was found dead in a pool of blood in his house. His throat had been slit with a pair of scissors in what is believed to have been a robbery.
A fortnight ago, prominent clergyman Bishop Mubvafhi Lucas Bele (67), of Maniini, was hacked to death with an unknown weapon. His wife, Mashudu Bele (61), managed to escape to a neighbour's house, despite sustaining serious injuries.
The list continues to grow.
As if that were not enough, yet another pensioner was brutally murdered in what is also believed to have been a robbery — this time in Lambani Muduluni. Mr Freddy Mudau Nekhavhambe (85), who lived alone in his RDP house, was found dead in a pool of blood in his hut. He had severe head wounds and is believed to have been killed with a spade.
The incident, described as one of the worst displays of brutality in the area, occurred on Wednesday, 21 May, at around 13:30.
Family spokesperson Mr Mmbangiseni Baldwin Ratshikhopha said he had received a call between 13:00 and 14:00 and rushed to the scene.
"What I saw there was shocking. My uncle was in a pool of blood with a deep wound on the back of the head. The scene was that of intense brutality, with his trousers taken off and he was left in his underwear. What we have gathered is that the suspect, who has since been arrested, used to come and steal from the old man, gaining entry through a window. The old man had to put burglar bars on the windows," he said.
According to Ratshikhopha, on that fateful day, the suspect arrived to find the window locked and the victim in the toilet.
"The suspect has confessed he attacked him with a spade and pulled him inside the hut. He also confessed to robbing him of R600 and a small phone. Some of the money was recovered, and the murder weapon and the phone have since been recovered. The suspect, realising his bloodied clothing would incriminate him, went to nearby bushes and burnt them. We strongly believe the old man was killed for his grant. He used to complain about thefts that included money and food after getting his grant," Ratshikhopha said.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident and the arrest.
"The police in Tshaulu are investigating a murder case. The suspect in the case was traced to his home and arrested the same day. He will appear in court in due course," he said.