Members of the Tshinakaho family from Tshaulu are still in shock, following the brutal murder of the 23-year-old Mr Norman Tshinakaho, a well-known stone paver. His body, with multiple shot wounds, was discovered on the road near a bridge.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 14 July. Members of the local community believe the murderer tried to make his death look like an accident.

Details surrounding his death remain unclear, but reports indicate that Tshinakaho had had an altercation over a woman at a tavern in nearby Gaba on Saturday. His sister, Thivhileli Mercy Tshinakaho, received a call about the incident around 04:00. “I felt numb and cried for hours ... My son traced blood stains to the assailant's house,” she said. The family believe the earlier fight may be connected with his death but are uncertain.

Two suspects, Mr Langanani Enoch Nemukula (44) and his wife, Ms Mashudu Tshibubudze, were arrested on Monday. They appeared in court on Tuesday and were charged with murder. Their case was postponed until 23 July.

Community leader Vhakoma Azwinndini Netshivhambe expressed his shock, stating, “This is cruel. We lost a promising young man.” He also noted the family's financial struggles to arrange the funeral.

Tshinakaho leaves behind a wife and four children, who will now grow up without their father. The Vhembe SAPS have opened a murder case and urge anyone with information to assist in the investigation.