The cruelty of domestic violence surfaced again this week when the bodies of a couple were found at Muananzhele village near Vleifontein. It appears the man had first killed his girlfriend before hanging himself. Their bodies were discovered on 5 November in a room.
The deaths have left villagers shocked and grieving. While the exact circumstances remain under investigation, domestic violence is suspected. The woman was allegedly strangled, and the man was found hanging from the rafters. News of the incident quickly drew people from surrounding areas.
Vhembe police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident and said a murder and inquest docket had been opened. He urged couples experiencing problems to seek help from clerics, pastors, or organisations offering free counselling. "We urge people to avoid violence and resolve disputes amicably or through counselling to prevent unnecessary loss of life," Dathi said.
Family spokesperson Charity Khomola said the tragedy had come as a shock. "Losing two people in one day is devastating. We are very hurt and do not fully understand what happened to our family members," she said.
Phineus Lefuwa, chairperson of the local Community Policing Forum, also visited the family and condemned the use of violence. "It is heart-breaking that some still resort to violence to solve problems. We appeal to all couples to seek help from pastors, social workers or other professional services," he said.