Residents of Shayandima, and the Rasalanavho family in particular, are shocked by the death of retired policeman Jonathan Ntakuseni Rasalanavho (72) of Shayandima Zone 5, who was shot and killed by unknown assailants at his home on Thursday, 18 May.
The incident happened somewhere between 06:00 and 06:30. Neighbours, who spoke on condition of anonymity, say they had heard gunshots and, upon closer inspection, had seen the old man lying in his yard with bullet wounds to his chest and thigh. The killers, who have not been identified, had already left with the deceased's Toyota Corolla by then.
The circumstances surrounding his murder remain sketchy and subject to police investigations, but the suspicion is that Rasalanavho had received a call, apparently from the killers, that had lured him out of the house.
The former policeman, who used to be based in the Gauteng area, is said to have had another home in Gauteng where he had spent the better part of his life. Hardly a year has passed since he returned to his home township for good.
Residents are now whispering among themselves, and the question on most people's lips is whether this was a robbery or a contract killing. The majority seem to believe that his death was pre-planned and executed with a purpose. The stolen car (which was very old), they say, only served as a front to make the incident look like a robbery.
Mr Bardwell Mufunwaini, community leader and founder of Munna ndi Nnyi Men's Forum, visited the grief-stricken family and expressed his dismay at the increasing crime in Vhembe. "Our communities are under siege. Day in and day out we wake up to sad news of violent crimes like murder, hijackings and robberies. We are no longer safe, even at our homes, and we need to come together and stand up in the fight against crime. Let us join forces with the police, and we will beat crime," he said.
Acting spokesperson for the police in Vhembe Sgt Lokie Vhonani Masia confirmed the incident. "We have since opened a murder docket and a manhunt for the killers ensued. No one has been arrested so far. Investigations are ongoing," he said.