A trip to Thohoyandou ended in tragedy for Livhuwani Mulaudzi, 47, who was attacked and killed by an armed robber on Thursday, 18 September. The mother and community figure had gone with other village funeral scheme signatories to assist a bereaved family but was ambushed on her way back between Malamangwa and Nweli.
Her brother, Takalani Mulaudzi, said transport was scarce in the area, forcing residents to walk long distances through the bush, which he believed had contributed to the tragedy.
"My sister alighted from the bus, and we suspect someone followed her, thinking she had money. Only her purse and phone were taken. She had arranged to meet her daughter halfway, but her daughter arrived to find her lying in a pool of blood," he said.
Mulaudzi described the deep sense of loss felt by the family, noting that she had been an integral part of the household as a khadzi. "We do not know who will replace her. This is not the first tragedy to hit our family - years ago, her daughter was raped on her way to school. We blame the government for failing to improve roads and ensure safety," he said.
He added that the family wants justice. "Rumours are circulating in the villages, and names are being mentioned. We want her killers brought to book and the law to take its course," he said.
W/O Vuledzani Dathi of the Vhembe SAPS confirmed that Thohoyandou police are investigating the case as a murder and robbery.
"The woman, found in a pool of blood with a wound to her chest, has been identified as Ms Livhuwani Mulaudzi. The incident occurred at around 14:47. She had a handbag with money for a relative's funeral, and her cell phone was missing. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect," he said.
Mulaudzi was buried at the local cemetery during an emotional service at Nweli on Wednesday, 24 September.