A sombre mood prevailed in Ha Thukhutha village, Tshiulungoma 1 near Thohoyandou, as residents struggled to come to terms with a tragedy that claimed the lives of two police officers.
The deceased were identified as husband-and-wife W/O Shavhi Nemulodi (55) and W/O Tshilidzi Mathieledzha (45).
According to police reports, the husband allegedly stabbed his wife to death before hanging himself. The bodies were discovered on Tuesday, 24 February. W/O Mathieledzha was found inside the house in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds, while her husband was found hanging from the roof. Emergency Medical Services confirmed both were dead at the scene.
“The untimely death of the two members is a serious loss and a devastating blow to our organisation as well as the community at large,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo. “We once more call on our members to seek assistance from our relevant structures, like Employee Health and Welfare, to avoid unnecessary loss of life.”
Both victims were warrant officers attached to the Thohoyandou Local Criminal Record Centre. Police have opened a murder and inquest case. While the motive remains unknown, domestic violence cannot be ruled out and investigations are ongoing, according to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
Speaking to the media, Ms Josephine Nemulodi, mother of the deceased husband, said the couple had experienced long-standing conflicts and disagreements.
“There was no good relationship between the couple for a long time. When we tried to resolve the problem as close relatives, my daughter-in-law did not want us involved, saying we should leave them alone. We are saddened by the incident. The couple left behind children, and their unresolved issues have left the families divided,” she said.
Funeral arrangements have been finalised. Shavhi Nemulodi will be buried in Ha Mphego village on Tuesday, 3 March, while Tshilidzi Mathieledzha will be laid to rest at her parents’ home in Vondwe village near Tshidimbini on Wednesday, 4 March.
Police previously confiscated the couple’s service rifles due to concerns over ongoing domestic disputes.