A wave of fear and uncertainty has engulfed the community of Lungane Shadani, outside Thohoyandou, following yet another brutal killing that has left residents shaken and demanding answers.
The latest incident saw a 35-year-old man, Laughter Maovhelwana, gunned down execution-style on Friday night, 3 April, in what community members describe as a chilling and all-too-familiar pattern of violence in the area.
Not much is known about the incident. According to the victim’s sister, Ms Shoni Maovhelwana, the family initially dismissed the sound of gunfire that rang out around 22:00, as such incidents have become disturbingly common.
“It was only after midnight when a neighbour came to alert me, saying her daughter has told her about a body lying on a gravel road not far from the village. We were too scared to go alone and had to ask for help from people at a nearby tavern. I stayed behind while others went closer, and they confirmed it was my brother lying in a pool of blood,” she said.
Fighting back tears, she described her brother as a harmless man with no known enemies.
“We are orphans, and he was my only brother here at home as the others are working far away. He could not hurt a fly and never mentioned any problems with anyone,” she said.
Shoni identified her brother by the clothes he was wearing earlier that day.
“I am struggling to accept this. Why would anyone do this to him?” she asked.
Local traditional leader Vhakoma Vho Fhatuwani Ravhura expressed deep concern, warning that the killing is part of a troubling trend in the village.
“This is not the first shooting in this area. In 2023, a man was shot and killed in the same vicinity, and the suspects were never found. Last year, the wife of a well-known civic leader was also gunned down at her home, and no arrests have been made,” he said.
Ravhura added that the discovery of a burnt body in the same area a while ago further intensifies fears that the village could be facing a serious crime crisis.
“Our hearts are bleeding. We cannot continue living like this. It will take a united effort from the community, police, and leadership of the village to restore safety,” he said.
Provincial police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the incident, adding that they have launched a manhunt. He said the victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds.
“Several empty cartridges were recovered at the scene … The motive for the attack remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing,” said Ledwaba.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the investigating officer, Captain Sydney Dama, on 082 469 1035, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Tips can also be submitted via the MySAPS app.