Two men who allegedly hijacked the vehicle of traffic officer Mbulaheni Patrick "Gemo" Netshidzivhani and killed him, appeared in the Mutale Magistrate's Court last Thursday afternoon (16 January).
Rotshidzwa Munyai (26) and Muano Nekhubvi (21) are accused of accosting Netshidzivhani while he was exercising near Khunguni Mountain. They allegedly killed him, disposed of his body in the dense Khunguni Forest, and made off with his vehicle.
After an intensive search by a task team comprising family members, traffic officers, and members of the SAPS, Netshidzivhani's car was found parked at Tshiulungoma village. Further investigations led the team to Khubvi village, where the two suspects were arrested.
One of the late traffic officer's colleagues, who was in court last Thursday, expressed doubts that only two people were involved in the murder. He said he had been part of the task team assembled to search for Netshidzivhani. According to him, the accused led the team to where the body was hidden shortly after 01:00 on Wednesday morning.
"I don't believe only two suspects were involved in this incident. Two men could not have carried the body such a far distance from where he was killed. It was more than a kilometre away, through very thick and dense bushes," he said.
Meanwhile, the Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Violet Mathye, visited the family of the late Netshidzivhani last Thursday. She was accompanied by the Head of Department, Mr Stephen Matzjena, Chief Director of Traffic Ms Jane Mulaudzi, District Director Advocate Mamphiswana, and traffic officials from the Vhembe District.
Residents in the vicinity of where the men were arrested vented their anger at the owner of the RDP house where the suspects had been staying. They accused him of harbouring criminals and providing a place where such ghastly deeds could be planned.
It has since been established that the two armed robbery suspects are not residents of Khubvi village. Accused number one, Muano Nekhubvi, is a resident of Mavhode, while Rotshidzwa Munyai is from Mafhohoni village.
An upset elderly woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that street committees and the traditional leader's representatives must ensure they are aware of everyone staying in the village.
Netshidzivhani will be laid to rest at Ha-Makhuvha village on Saturday.
It was reported last week that four suspects were arrested in connection with the murder, but the police confirmed that only two were charged. It is possible that more suspects will be arrested.