By Staff Reporter
THOHOYANDOU – The search for Vhamusanda VhoMaṱodzi Nthakheni Ramabulana, a traditional leader from Khakhaṅwa Mulenzhe, ended in tragedy when his body was discovered in a bushy area a few kilometers from his home on Thursday.
The 50-year-old headman had been missing since Saturday, November 2, sparking an intense search by family members and the local community. The discovery was made by a local resident who was hunting in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the grieving family, his sister, Vho Makhadzi Vho Monica Tshililo Ramabulana, expressed their devastation.
“Our hearts are torn apart. We held onto hope he would be found alive, but this was not to be,” she said.
The Vhembe SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Vuledzani Dathi, confirmed the incident, stating that an inquest docket has been opened.
“So far, no one knows what happened, but the decomposed body had an [electric] cable around the neck. It appears the cable broke at some point, and the body was found beneath the tree,” Dathi said.
He added that the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and urged the community to remain calm as the case unfolds.
The news has left the royal family and the entire Khakhaṅwa community in mourning, with many questions still unanswered regarding the headman’s sudden disappearance.
