The family of a man found hanging from a tree in bushes at Mangondi Ha Maumela outside Thohoyandou say they have more questions than answers about his death.
Thirty-year-old Ronewa Muthego's lifeless body was discovered in what is suspected to be a suicide on Wednesday morning, 6 August.
Family spokesperson and brother of the deceased Thivhudziwi Muthego said Ronewa had spoken to his younger brother Mpho at around 06:00 before heading to nearby bushes to collect firewood. "Mpho became suspicious after noticing that he left the wheelbarrow he uses to carry firewood, as well as his phone in his room. That was when he decided to follow him to the bush, where he ultimately found him hanging from a tree," he said.
Muthego said the family was struggling to cope with the loss. "Ronewa did not leave any clue as to what could have been troubling him. It is hard to believe that he committed suicide."
He added that the place where Ronewa had been found had not convinced them he had taken his own life. "His feet were touching the ground, which leaves us with a serious challenge to understand the circumstances of his death. We have our suspicions, but we have put everything aside and are focusing on preparing for his burial on Saturday," he said. He thanked the community for their support and said, "Otherwise, we are leaving everything in the hands of God and the police."
Vhembe police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi said the police were investigating the incident. "We are appealing to anyone who may have information to assist the investigation to contact the investigating officer, Sgt Tshikonelo Oscar Mudau, on 076 387 7780," he said.