Questions are mounting in Tshikuwi Village, Nzhelele, after the arrest of the wife of 36-year-old Rendani Mposi, along with another man, in connection with his disappearance and death.
Mphephu police have arrested Mposi’s 34-year-old wife, Millicent Mabasa, and 32-year-old Khuliso Khwerana on charges of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
It is alleged that, during the search for Mposi, Khwerana posted messages on a community WhatsApp group claiming that the missing man was with him in Gauteng and urging residents to stop searching. The search was briefly suspended before being resumed when the information was found to be false. Police later traced and arrested Khwerana.
The two suspects appeared in the Dzanani Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 19 June, where they abandoned plans to apply for bail. Their case was postponed to 14 August for further police investigations, and they remain in custody.
Their arrests followed the discovery of Mposi’s body, which was found hanging from a tree on Tshikuwi mountain on Tuesday, 10 June, nearly two weeks after he had been reported missing.
According to Mabasa, Mposi allegedly woke up during the night of 1 June, left while she was asleep and went outside to use the toilet, but never returned.
The arrests have done little to ease growing tension in the community, with residents questioning why murder charges have not yet been brought. Community leader Bigmoss Tanzwani said people remain troubled by the developments and the lack of clarity.
“The community only wants answers. One wonders why, instead of being given an explanation on the circumstances leading to Mposi’s death, people are being arrested. Police should be open because this is a sensitive case,” he said.
Meanwhile, Limpopo National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi confirmed that five community members were arrested following violent protests that erupted after the arrests. Residents barricaded the R523 between Wyliespoort and Sibasa, demanding answers from police.
The five suspects – Gundo Mathalise, Ntanganedzeni Khakhu, Beauty Mahuhilwa, Noluuvo Vivian Kampe and Tshivhidzo Nzwobii – appeared in the Dzanani Magistrate’s Court on 22 June on charges of malicious damage to property. Their case was postponed to 29 June for profiling and a possible bail application. They also remain in custody.