In a bizarre and shocking incident, a 30-year-old resident of Tshikonelo Thondoni outside Thohoyandou reportedly used a grinder to commit suicide and cut his own throat.
The incident, which has shocked the entire community, occurred on Sunday at around 23:00. The man was identified as Mpho Joshua Mudzanani.
The circumstances leading to the incident remain a mystery, with many questioning how he could have done this to himself.
According to Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi, the man and his wife had attended a church service together earlier in the day and returned home together.
"According to the wife of the deceased, around 23:00, while all the lights were off in the room, she heard the sound of a grinder for a few seconds. She then woke up and switched on the lights, only to find blood all over the room. The grinder that he used was found next to him," Dathi said.
Dathi added that the wife then discovered that her husband had cut his throat with the grinder.
The incident has once again highlighted the issue of mental health, particularly among men. Mr Richard Ramabulana from the Vhembe Concerned Group said that men should be encouraged to speak out about their problems and fears. "When we discuss gender-based violence, the focus is primarily on women and children. Men are often left out with no support. They may end up making extreme decisions, sometimes even harming their spouses before taking their own lives," he said.
Meanwhile, the police are appealing for any information that could assist in their investigation. Information should be directed to the investigating officer, Sgt Martha Matshaya, at (071) 119-7802.