In a dramatic turn of events, a 20-year-old man was stabbed to death by a 21-year-old suspect at Mavhandu Tavern in Hamanavhela village on Saturday, 20 March. Both men had been suspects in a previous murder case, involving a fatal stabbing at a local tavern, which was provisionally withdrawn in 2024.
Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi said officers were on routine patrols on Saturday when they were notified of a stabbing at the tavern. On arrival, they discovered that the victim had already been transported to Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital. Officers went to the hospital, where they found the victim lying on a bed with multiple stab wounds to his upper body. He later died.
The deceased, identified as Khumbudzo Bugana, had gone to the tavern to celebrate a friend’s birthday when a heated argument reportedly broke out between him and the suspect. The argument escalated into a fight, during which Bugana was stabbed with a sharp object.
The suspect, identified as Avhatakali Bolten Nkhumeleni, was initially charged with attempted murder, but the charge is expected to be upgraded to murder following Bugana’s death.
Nkhumeleni appeared before Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 March. His case was postponed to 30 March to allow for further police investigation. He will remain in custody until then.
Both Nkhumeleni and Bugana had been suspects in the fatal stabbing of Mashudu Chabalala at Manavhela Tavern in February 2024. That case was provisionally withdrawn but has now been reopened following Bugana’s death. Bugana also faced a pending murder case, with three other suspects allegedly involved in the stabbing death of Ronewa Musiamo at Madombidzha liquor outlet in September 2024.
Bugana’s family spokesperson, Olivia Bugana, said he died the same day he was admitted to hospital. “We are still wondering and trying to figure out how this could have happened,” she said. She added that his death had left the family devastated.
Local community leader Vhamusanda Vho Nkhangweni Manavhela said no person has the right to take another’s life. “We need peace in this area, and the only way this can come about is when we as a community work hand in glove with the police,” he said.
Bugana will be buried on Saturday at Tshikhwani Cemetery.