The community of Ngovhela outside Thohoyandou – particularly local football lovers – has been left reeling, following the fatal stabbing of one of its star players, Edzisani Mawela.
Better known as Bance in local football circles, the 26-year-old was killed during the early hours of Saturday, 2 August, while socialising at a popular pub in Tshivhulani outside Sibasa. The incident, which shocked many, occurred at about 01:49.
W/O Vuledzani Dathi, spokesperson for the Vhembe police, confirmed that a manhunt is under way. "Police who were on duty were alerted to the incident and, on arrival at the tavern premises, found a man with about four deep stab wounds to the chest. The victim is alleged to have been stabbed during a fight with an unknown suspect. He was certified dead by Emergency Medical Services personnel. Suspect(s) are unknown at this stage but police are busy with investigations," he said.
Mawela's death has been described as a major blow to his team, Ngovhela Backside United FC, where he was considered one of the top players.
Club elder and avid supporter Mr Alfred Khwalu said: "Bance was one of our core players and we are so saddened by the way he passed on. I only heard about his passing yesterday (Sunday, 3 August) and could not believe my ears. He was an all-rounder in the team and we do not even know who will replace him.
"It is a very sad year for us – this is the second death in the club. In April we lost one of our top players, Jeffery 'Sticks' Muofhe. The morale is very low as we speak, but we will work very hard and win our games as an honour to our fallen players. We say condolences to the family and the players. May their hearts be comforted."
His grief-stricken uncle, Mr Stanley Mawela, said the family was still in shock. "We are devastated as a family, and so far, we do not have full information about his death. We are not even sure it is him at the morgue as we have not seen his body. We do not know whether he was on duty or not, as he worked at the Ngudza branch of the same business. We are still waiting for his employer to brief us. The situation here is disturbing as he was the sole breadwinner and we wonder how we will be able to lay him to rest," he said.
The police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect(s). Anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sgt Dambudzo Deviliers Ntsieni, at (061) 545 7817.