Mystery and shock surround the death of a well-known educator, Mr Mulingoni Richard Mudau (51), who was found hanging from a tree in the bushes between Tswinga and Mashawana village. Mudau, from Tshivhulana in Vuwani, was the head of department (HOD) at Matamela Primary School in Davhana.

The incident, believed to be a suicide, occurred on Friday, 21 February, around 09:00. A passerby reportedly noticed a stationary car parked near the scene before discovering the hanging body. Witnesses said a till slip found at the scene indicated that Mudau had purchased the rope from a shop in Shayandima’s industrial area.

His death has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly among colleagues at Matamela Primary School. School principal Winnie Muthambi said she received the news around 14:00. "I got a call asking me to come to the scene, but at first, I thought it was a hoax, as he was supposed to be attending a workshop at Marude Secondary in Thohoyandou. When I arrived and saw him still hanging, I couldn’t bear the pain. He had been with us for eight years, and we had bonded like family," she said.

Muthambi described Mudau as always smiling and showing no visible signs of distress. "We are still traumatised and have no idea what led to this. The atmosphere at school on Monday was tense, with learners crying uncontrollably. Fortunately, social workers provided counselling. We will honour him at a memorial service on Wednesday, 26 February," she added.

Vhembe SAPS spokesperson Const Pfunzo Ramudzuli confirmed the incident, saying the police were investigating.

Meanwhile, another body was found in the bushes on a mountain in Tshivhilidulu, Nzhelele. The body, believed to be that of a man who went missing from Fondwe, was discovered on Saturday, 22 February.

“The body was lying on the ground with a black rope around the neck, with part of the same rope still attached to a tree. It was in an advanced state of decomposition. The identity of the deceased will be confirmed after an autopsy,” said Ramudzuli.