An intensive manhunt has been launched following the brutal murder of a 48-year-old man at Hamadodonga village outside Louis Trichardt on Sunday, 17 May. The victim was allegedly shot and killed while sleeping in his bed at home.
The family said they were shocked by the manner in which he died. Police suspect the killing may have been an assassination linked to a criminal syndicate terrorising the Tshilwavhusiku policing area. The deceased was identified as Philip Mashamba.
Mashamba’s younger brother, Cerrick Matidza, said the family would not rest until justice was served. He told Limpopo Mirror that he had received a phone call informing him to rush to the house at Hamadodonga because something terrible had happened.
“I’m asking myself a lot of questions. What did my brother do to these cruel men that made them kill him? I wish they could be arrested so that they can answer those questions. I want justice for my brother,” he said while weeping.
Matidza said his brother died like a criminal, yet he was a decent and respectful man.
“My brother was a clever man. I do not even know how to describe him, but he loved spending time with friends and making people laugh,” he said.
Vhembe police spokesperson Capt Vuledzani Dathi said police were appealing to anyone with information about the case to come forward.
“Investigators are working hard on the matter,” he said.
Dathi confirmed that the victim was shot while sleeping in his bed. According to police, the victim’s wife was ironing clothes for the children when she heard gunshots. When she rushed to the bedroom, she found her husband lying in a pool of blood and the door open. She then called neighbours, who contacted the police. Emergency personnel later arrived at the scene and confirmed the victim’s death.
Vhamusanda Vho Ntanganedzeni Kutama said crime had become one of the most disturbing issues affecting the community.
“There is not a week that passes without an incident of crime here. We are no longer safe, and people are forced to hide inside their homes when it gets dark. But even there we are not safe, as criminals break down doors to commit crimes,” he said.
Mashamba will be laid to rest on Saturday at Hamadodonga.