In what has been described as one of the worst incidents of domestic violence in Vhembe in recent times, a man killed his wife and her son before fleeing the scene.
The victims were identified as Ms Hulisani Anita Nkhatshame (37) and her son, Rolivhuwa Patric Mudau (11). Their bodies were discovered by neighbours who became suspicious of their absence from the home.
The incident, which occurred in Manyii in the Nzhelele area, is believed to have happened between Saturday, 11 January, and Wednesday, 15 January. Neighbours discovered the gruesome scene after noticing that the occupants had not been seen since Sunday, 12 January. Two other children were away visiting relatives at the time.
Community leader and Makhado Municipality ward councillor Nthabiseng Mahosi said she had been conducting Back-to-School campaigns at a local school when she had received a call alerting her to the incident. "I had to leave everything and rushed there. I found the police already on the scene. It was not a good sight. We are quite disturbed and saddened as women. It is strange that, despite the many campaigns we run, this is still happening. Our mayor, Cllr Dorcas Mboyi, is equally saddened and visited the grief-stricken family to offer her condolences," she said.
The late woman's brother, Mr Israel Nkhatshame, said he had been called to the home by neighbours. "I rushed there to find the gruesome scene. The bodies were in an advanced stage of decomposition, and the smell was unbearable. My sister and her three children were in a very abusive relationship. We tried as a family to separate them because of the way she was being treated, but she would protect him, pretending everything was fine. They were always quarrelling and fighting, but no cases were reported," he said.
Limpopo police spokesperson Lt-Col Stephen Thakeng confirmed the incident, saying two counts of murder had been opened and a manhunt launched for the suspect. "The motive for the murders is unknown at this stage, but domestic violence cannot be ruled out," he said.
The police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist with the investigation to urgently contact the investigating officer, Sgt Khwilimba, on (082) 319-9558, the Crime Stop number 0860010111, or visit their nearest police station.