In a shocking turn of events, a 21-year-old woman apparently decided to take her own life by hanging after allegedly quarrelling with family members over change of R1.
The woman, who was identified as Maparunga Tsitsi from Manamani, originally hails from Zimbabwe. She was working with other family members on a farm when the incident happened. The incident that shook the community of Dzwerani and Manamani happened on Wednesday, 19 November, at around 17:00.
Manamani community leader Mr Lutendo Ratshilivha said the community was still in shock.
"Incidents of this nature are rare in this area. This has shocked us to the core. What we gathered from the family is that while out at the farm, they borrowed R100 for food, which they shared among themselves. It so happened that R1 was left in change and the woman wanted it for herself. That is where the disagreement emanated. The woman is said to have left with her three-year-old child."
Ratshilivha said the woman allegedly gave her phone to her child and told her to go back and tell the family she was going to hang herself. "On being alerted by the child, the family rushed to the fig tree, only to find her hanging, and they could not save her," he said.
Ratshilivha further indicated it had come to light that it was not the first time the woman had tried to take her life.
"I do not believe it was a case of the R1 that led to her taking her life. There must be more," he said. He added that the local community believed the specific tree was cursed as it had been used before by people wanting to commit suicide.
"As a community, we are sympathising with the family and, together with the local Zimbabwean committee, we are making arrangements for the repatriation of the woman's mortal remains," Ratshilivha said.
Vhembe police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened. Any information that could assist the police investigations may be directed to Sgt Mashudu Ramukosi on 072-5188641.