Elmon Tshikhudo
The recent brutal murder of celebrated Rhumba music dancer George Phiri at Itsani outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo has pushed residents to their limit.
They have vowed to forcefully remove the family of the alleged killer from the village if they do not leave in a matter of days.
The family has been linked to several crimes over the years in the area.
Phiri, popularly known as Jojo in entertainment circles, was staying at Shayandima when he was brutally stabbed to death at a tavern at Itsani on Boxing day.
Circumstances leading to his murder are still unclear and remain subject to police investigations.
The native of Beira in Mozambique has been a member of the Zozo and Sengere Super Beat outfit since his arrival in South Africa 10 years ago.
He has performed all over the country as well as abroad where he has wowed crowds with his exceptional dancing.
His death has rocked the local community who on Sunday held a meeting where it was decided that the families of the killers should be evicted.
“We are tired of these boys. They are responsible for stabbings that have not been reported and the killing of this dancer was the last straw,” said one community member who asked to remain anonymous.
“We are only giving them a few days to move.”
Zozo and Sengere Super Beat leader Joseph Mbiza said the killers have robbed him of one of the most talented dancers he has ever seen.
“The news of his death is painful,” Mbiza said.
He said they had to cancel shows for the festive season.
“We are in mourning. Phiri doesn’t have immediate relatives and we are trying to locate his family in Mozambique so we can give him a befitting funeral.”
An 18-year-old, Tshifhiwa Luvhimbi has been arrested and charged with murder.
He appeared at the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and is to appear again in court on 10 January.
