Tragedy has once again struck the community of Lufule 2 Block 11 outside Thohoyandou, after a man allegedly murdered his partner before taking his own life.
The man, identified as Mpho Malange (40), is said to have gone to the home of his 37-year-old partner, Ms Lutendo Nkhumeleni, also in Lufule, before the two returned to his house. Their lifeless bodies were later discovered there.
According to the police, Nkhumeleni was found in a pool of blood, with her hands and feet tied with rope and several stab wounds to her body. A screwdriver was found lodged in her neck. Malange was found hanging from the roof.
The incident occurred at around 19:00 on Monday, 4 August, and has sent shockwaves through the village. Domestic violence is believed to be the underlying cause.
This is not the first such tragedy in the area. In 2017, a couple - Emmanuel Netili (36) and Rialivhuha Nevhutalu (25) - were burned to death in their home in the same locality. Their charred remains were found lying next to each other near the kitchen door. Domestic violence was cited as the cause of that incident as well.
The latest tragedy has revived urgent calls to end gender-based violence.
Local traditional leader Khosi Vho Aluoneswi Kenneth Mphephu was among the first to speak out, expressing deep sorrow: "As Lufule community, we are devastated. It was unexpected as we have never ever received complaints from the couple. Gender-based violence is reaching alarming proportions in our communities. We call on couples with challenges to seek help from organisations, and we are also available as traditional leaders," he said.
Mphephu said that, as a community, they wewre also calling for divine intervention and he called upon all faith-based leaders to come together and assist. "We are ready for prayers to end this demon that is destroying our community," he said.
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the incident, saying the police were investigating a case of murder.