Chieftain squabbles about Vhavenda traditional leadership regarding heirs to the thrones have escalated into a tense situation after the murder of the newly installed Vhakoma (petty headman) David Netshamutavha at Malamangwa-Tshamutavha village earlier this week.
Netshamutavha (46) had just undergone a joyful installation ceremony in Tshamutavha village on Saturday, 3 June, before he was found lying naked and dead on the floor in his room, next to his spaza shop in Gondeni-Sterkstroom, on Monday afternoon (6 June).
The Thohoyandou police have opened a murder case and initiated a manhunt for the suspects, who are still unknown. According to Sergeant Vuledzani Dathi, acting spokesperson for the Vhembe SAPS, Netshamutavha had bullet wounds to his chest, and the window next to his bedroom was broken, but no empty cartridges were found at the scene. No arrests have been made yet.
Netshamutavha had succeeded his late father, William Netshamutavha, who held the position of Vhakoma until his death in 1983. The deceased was preparing to relocate to Tshamutavha village to assume his position as Vhakoma under Vhamusanda Mmbangiseni Malamangwa. The incident has caused great upheaval within the communities, leaving everyone wondering who will succeed him now.
The family spokesperson and half-brother of the deceased, Pono Netshamutavha, expressed the family's deep sadness over the incident. He said everyone had still been excited about his brother's installation as the petty headman of Tshamutavha when they had heard the terrible news. Pono said they could not dismiss the rumours that someone else had wanted this position as petty headman and might have assassinated Netshamutavha for their own gain. The family has pledged to cooperate with the police to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Vhamusanda Mmbangiseni Nemalamangwa, who installed Netshamutavha as the new petty headman, expressed his shock. He said he had chosen Netshamutavha to fill the leadership role in the sub-village of Tshamutavha but had never anticipated such a tragic outcome. "David was meant to follow in the footsteps of his late father who, for many years, held this position," he said.
Netshamutavha will be laid to rest in Gondeni-Sterkstroom village on Saturday, 10 June, with proceedings commencing at 06:00.