By Staff Reporter
VHEMBE – Two women have been arrested in connection with the murder of Chief Takalani Andries Gumbu (40) of Gumbu village, in what authorities say is a breakthrough in a complex and ongoing investigation involving multiple suspects and serious crimes in the Vhembe district.
The suspects, both women, were taken into custody over the weekend, bringing the total number of individuals arrested in the case to seven. They appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, though the outcome of the court proceedings had not yet been confirmed at the time of publishing.
Chief Gumbu was ambushed and fatally shot outside his home in Gumbu village in February 2023, around 22:00. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead on the scene. The brutal nature of the murder shocked the local community and sparked a widespread investigation.
The first five suspects were arrested between September 2023 and May 2025, and include:Oscar Ramphabana (39),Rolivhuwa Ronald (34), Masakona Mulalo (42). Mahangwahaya Lodrdwick(37)and Mudau Salani Duncan (43)
Mudau, one of the key suspects, was arrested on 29 June 2025 while hiding in Dzwerani village. His arrest was the result of a joint intelligence-driven operation conducted by detectives from Thohoyandou, Masisi, and the Vhembe District Task Team.
In a major development, police also linked Mudau to two additional murder cases. One took place in Tshamutumbu in November 2022, which also involved attempted murder, and another in Masisi in December 2022.
Police investigations remain ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Limpopo’s Provincial Police Commissioner, welcomed the recent arrests and commended the work of the joint task teams.
“We are determined to bring all those involved in these violent crimes to justice. No one is above the law, and we will not rest until every suspect is held accountable,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
The motive behind Chief Gumbu’s murder has not yet been made public, but sources suggest that traditional leadership disputes and local power struggles may have played a role.
The police have urged anyone with additional information to come forward as efforts continue to ensure justice is served.
