The senior traditional leader and head of the Tshivhase Kingdom, Mailausumbwa Kennedy Tshivhase, has accused powermongers of orchestrating the murder of Makhuvha traditional leader Khosi Vho Thiambiwi Erick Makhuvha (59) in an attempt to seize the chieftainship.
Speaking during an emotional funeral service at Makhuvha on Friday, 6 March, Tshivhase addressed hundreds of mourners, including traditional leaders, members of the royal family and community members, warning that those behind the killing would never succeed in their alleged quest for power.
Makhuvha was gunned down at his home in the early hours of Sunday, 2 March, during what police believe was a robbery.
According to police, two armed men allegedly forced entry by breaking a window. During the ordeal, the late leader’s daughter was shot in the leg. The suspects then entered Makhuvha’s bedroom, where they demanded more valuables and fired several shots, killing him instantly.
The attackers fled in Makhuvha’s Toyota Hilux, taking items including a laptop, television set and two cellular phones. The injured daughter was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
The killing has fuelled speculation in the community that it may have been linked to the chieftainship. Tshivhase described the slain leader as a humble man who respected and cared for people.
“You cannot hurt me like this. You did this to a kind and humble person who loved people and respected everyone,” he said.
He warned that those responsible would not succeed if their motive had been to seize the throne.
“I do not know if you did this because you wanted the chieftaincy, but you will not get it. If you thought that killing the chief would make you the chief, you are wrong,” he said.
Tshivhase also stressed that the traditional leadership structures would protect the rightful custodians of the throne.
“The whole of Tshivhase belongs to me. I hold the title deed of this area and the Khotsimunene will always occupy their positions as Khotsimunene and not a chief. I want people to hear this clearly.”
He added that the killers might have been hired locally and appealed to community members to assist police with information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest.
At the time of going to press, no suspects had been arrested.