Residents of Elim say they are increasingly worried about safety after a second man was murdered in the area within a month. Police in Waterval are investigating the murder of Majama Glen Nkuna (38), whose body was discovered next to the gate of Elim Hospital at about 03:00 on Sunday, 8 March.
According to police, Nkuna had reportedly been involved in a heated argument with an unknown man driving a white bakkie shortly before the incident. He was later found lying in a pool of blood.
A witness who wished to remain anonymous and who was with a group that night said they had been walking from a local pub when a bakkie drove past them. Shortly afterwards, several young men got out of the vehicle. “They were speaking Tshivenda and demanded Adidas sandals from one of us. They also took his cap,” the witness said.
Some of the men then approached the group and slapped a few people, causing others to run away. While the group members were still trying to understand what was happening, Nkuna arrived and asked what was going on before walking ahead. “As we continued walking we saw the same group again. Nkuna was lying on the ground face down and had been stabbed,” the witness said.
Emergency medical services were called and Nkuna was declared dead. Police have opened a murder case and investigations are ongoing.
Nkuna’s younger brother, Wisani, told Limpopo Mirror that the family is struggling to come to terms with his death. “That day I was with him, but I went home earlier. As a family we are saddened by the way he died and we are hoping that justice prevails,” he said.
The killing comes about four weeks after the body of Tivani Maluleke (41) from Mbhokota village was found in Mahonisi village near Elim on Saturday, 7 February. Police found him lying in a pool of blood next to rental rooms, with a large stone and a bottle of beer nearby. The motive remains unknown and no suspects have been arrested in either case.
Community members say the two killings have heightened fears about safety in the area. Residents are planning a shutdown and march to the Waterval Police Station on 13 March to demand stronger police action against violent crime. Organisers have also called on residents to bring information about unresolved murder cases affecting the community. Only hospital workers will be allowed to report for duty during the shutdown.
Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Sergeant Nancy Rikhotso on 071 481 4413 or 079 894 5467, or Captain Phillip Mabunda on 082 565 7901. Information can also be shared through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the MySAPSApp.