In an unusual turn of events, a murder suspect sold himself out and made it easier for the police to trace him by leaving his phone at the scene of the crime.
The alleged suspect, who is known to have done piece jobs for the victim, is now a person of interest in the murder of Pastor Mubvafhi Lucas Bele (67) and the attempted murder of his wife, Ms Mashudu Suzan Bele (61).
The incident happened at Maniini on Wednesday, 14 May, at around 21:00. Bele was the pastor at the Abundance Life Christian Church at Tshavhalovhedzi in Nzhelele.
Mr Solomon Nevombe, former deputy civic chairperson of Maniini M West, said he had received a call informing him of an apparent kidnapping. "I rushed to the scene, only to find that the police were already there. We entered the yard and found the pastor in a pool of blood, with his face covered by a jacket. While we were there, a neighbour arrived and told us that the wife was bleeding heavily at his house. We arranged an ambulance, which took the badly injured woman to hospital. It looks like the couple was hacked with sharp objects. We are in shock, and we no longer feel safe at our homes. The pastor was still a new resident, having arrived here a few months ago," he said.
Nevombe further indicated they were praying for the suspects to be found soon before they commit more crimes.
"Fortunately, when God wants to expose you, He has his unique way of doing it. When we were combing the scene, we came across a phone belonging to one of the suspects. The suspect was an employee of the couple, who did piece jobs for them," Nevombe said.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident, saying a manhunt had been launched for the suspects.
"Information received revealed that the victims arrived home from church and found the suspects busy breaking into their house," he said. The couple were apparently attacked by the criminals. "It seems the woman recognised one of the attackers and called his name. It is believed they attacked the couple, fearing they would be exposed," he said.
Dathi said the suspects were currently unknown and still at large. "We are following positive leads and will hopefully make a breakthrough soon. Any information that can assist us in finding the suspects may be relayed to the investigating officer, Sgt Rembuluwani Nekhavhambe, on 071-5111213," he said.
On Sunday, the community held a mass meeting about the future of illegal foreigners in the area. Those present could not reach consensus as some wanted the foreigners gone, while others argued they must be tolerated.
Earlier this week, the Vhembe police posted a picture of one of the alleged criminals known only as Costa, who is from Mozambique. They hope he can help in the case.
Bele will be buried on Saturday, 24 May. The funeral procession will start at his home in Maniini and proceed to his church in Tshavhalovhedzi, where the funeral service will be held.