The peaceful village of Midoroni in the Kutama area is in shock, following the tragic murder of a local resident, Mr Mishumo Mabitsela (24), early Sunday morning.

The circumstances surrounding Mabitsela's death remain unclear. Limpopo police spokesperson Sgt Vuledzani Dathi said the incident occurred at around 02:20 at a local tavern. "We responded to a complaint of murder at Tshikwarani Clinic and, upon arrival, found a male victim with a stab wound on his upper body. He was reportedly certified dead on arrival at the clinic gate," Dathi said.

A suspect, Ntsundeni Tshisimba (20) from Tshikwarani, appeared in the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 September, charged with murder. His case has been postponed to 16 September for a bail application.

Community leader Mr Kedibone Foromo mentioned that the incident remained unclear as it had happened late at night. According to reports received, Mabitsela and his friends were at a local beer garden when they encountered a group of men at the tavern. An altercation broke out, during which Mabitsela was stabbed. His friends were unaware of the stabbing until he ran towards them, and they sought help from community members at the tavern but were refused entry. One of the friends ran home to fetch a car to take Mabitsela to the clinic, but unfortunately, he was certified dead upon arrival.

Foromo expressed concern over the rise in late-night alcohol abuse in the village, stating, "We are losing the young people we are grooming to be future leaders because of alcohol abuse."

Mabitsela will be laid to rest on Saturday at Midoroni, with the service scheduled to begin at 06:00.