By Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
A 38-year-old man from Tshidimbini village outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo has been arrested for allegedly chopping off the head of his elder brother, 41, while also stabbing his younger sister, 32, and her 10-year-old daughter.
He accused his siblings of bewitching him.
The incident took place during the early hours of Monday after an argument had ensued between the two brothers.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the motive of the incident is still not known.
But residents of Tshidimbini village who wished to remain anonymous told Scrolla.Africa that during the argument the suspect allegedly accused his elder brother and younger sister of practising witchcraft on him.
Mashaba said that when the police arrived at the scene this morning, they found the victim’s head placed on a huge stone outside the family home.
“Upon arrival at the scene, we came across a human head at the gate and when we proceeded into the house, we found the decapitated body of a 41-year-old man, tied up with a rope.
“We also established that a 32-year-old woman and her 10-year-old daughter had already been transported to the hospital after they were attacked by the same family member,” said Mashaba.
He said dangerous objects used by the suspect and since seized by the police include a hammer, a spade and a sharp knife.
“The 38-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene in connection with the gruesome incident and the police have since opened a case of murder and two counts of attempted murder,” said Mashaba.
Itani Nenguda is the chairperson of Real Mean Foundation, an NGO based in Vhembe, which helps men resolve domestic problems. He said that as an organisation they are still shocked about the incident.
“It is not every day that one gets to hear that a sibling has killed and injured fellow siblings in such a cruel manner. We encourage men to seek our assistance when they are faced with domestic problems as we are always available to assist,” said Nenguda.
He said that men should know that killing another person is not a solution for any problem.
In a media statement released by Limpopo police, provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed his shock over the incident.
“Such senseless, cruel, and inhumane brutality has no place in our society, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms. No one has a right to take anybody’s life even with the slightest provocation. We assure everyone affected that justice will be served without fear or favour,” said Hadebe.
Attempts to get comments from the family of the siblings failed. The suspect is set to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court this week.
Pictured above: The family house and stone where the victim’s head was found.
Photo: Supplied
