The mother of a young man murdered in Vyeboom on 1 January says she still has many unanswered questions, and the pain in her heart has not subsided. She spoke out after five suspects appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate's Court last Friday in connection with her son's murder.
The suspects - Pfano Ndou (19), Lutendo Munyai (22), Unarine Radzilani (21), Amukelani Ramuhashi (28), and Mutshidzi Mulaudzi (24) - appeared briefly in court, but the case was postponed to 20 February for a bail application.
Their appearance followed the death of Mr Mpho Munyai (29), who was attacked outside a tavern in Vyeboom on New Year's Day. It is alleged that Munyai was attempting to leave in his car after the celebrations when a group of men blocked his way. He reportedly got out of his vehicle to reason with them but was attacked and stabbed with various objects. The men then left the scene with his car keys.
Munyai was transported to a local clinic in a wheelbarrow by a passerby, but he succumbed to his injuries.
Speaking after Friday's court hearing, his mother, Ms Tshimangadzo Munyai, said her son's death had come as a shock. "It was early, around 07:30, and I was preparing a meal of rice when I received the devastating news that my son had been stabbed. His father and I rushed to the clinic, hoping to take him to Tshilidzini Hospital, but as soon as I arrived, I could sense that he was gone. I couldn't even bring myself to look at his body. I have a heart condition, and I feared I might also collapse. I never saw him again," she said.
Munyai added that she was still struggling to come to terms with his death.
"I am in so much pain. Mpho was a well-mannered boy who wouldn't even hurt a fly. I still don't understand why he was killed. I will never find peace or get closure, until I understand the reasons behind his murder," she said.
Community leader Mr Makondelela Murovhi said the village was still in shock over Mpho's killing. "We are shattered," he said. Murovhi added that local leaders had previously warned the suspects about committing violent crimes.
"As much as we know they have a constitutional right to apply for bail, they must understand that they will not be welcomed back to the village. They will have to find somewhere else to stay, but not here in Vyeboom," he said.