A prominent Tshidzini businessman and traditional leader was brutally attacked at his home in the early hours of Tuesday and succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.
Mboniseni Phanuel Ndou (71) was reportedly ambushed in his orchard as he returned home.
Senior traditional leader at Tshidzini Vhamusanda Vho Nthetsheleseni Muntswu said he was still in shock over the attack. Muntswu, a close friend of Ndou's, had installed him as an overseer (Vhakoma) of the Tshilaphala section in December last year.
"The deceased phoned me in the early hours of the morning and told me he had been attacked at home," Muntswu said. "I contacted some of the villagers, and we rushed to the scene, where we found him badly injured, alongside his wife. He had a deep gash on his head and was bleeding profusely. We called the police and paramedics, and they were both rushed to hospital. I was heartbroken when I received a call later in the morning informing me that he had passed away."
The acting communications manager for the SAPS in Vhembe District, W/O Vuledzani Dathi, said the police were investigating a case of murder.
"We urge anyone with information about the suspects to contact investigating officer Sgt Matshaya on 071 119 7802," Dathi said.