The discovery of the body of a woman floating in the Tshidumbi River between Shayandima and Itsani has sparked speculation in the community.
The 33-year-old, Muneavhathu Mathivha of Shayandima, was last seen in the company of her sister's daughter. A neighbour, who preferred to remain anonymous, said she saw her returning from church with her pastor.
"She looked very fine, and we also greeted each other. It came as a shock to learn that she was missing. What we heard is that she was with her sister's daughter and along the way she sent her to go and charge her phone. It seems as if she knew what she wanted to do because she disappeared afterwards," she said.
One possibility is that the woman may have taken her own life. "We only heard she was found floating in the nearby river the following morning," the neighbour said.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi said the body had been discovered on Monday, 8 September, at about 09:30.
"Police were busy performing their duties when they were telephonically notified about the incident. On arrival, they found the body floating. It was retrieved from the water by the provincial SAPS Water Wing Unit. It was thoroughly scrutinised, and no visible injuries were noticed and no foul play is suspected," he said.
The police have called on anyone with relevant information to contact the investigating officer, Sgt Talifhani Makhuvha, on 082-4691397.