Mutale village shaken by murder case | Review

Silas Nduvheni

The small village of Hamabila near Ngalavhani in the Mutale area has been rocked by a tragic case of domestic violence that ended in the murder of 29-year-old Mudzunga Ramalata.

Her boyfriend, Dakalo Nemangwele (34) handed himself over to the police and faces charges of murder alongside a suspected accomplice.

The couple, who was reported missing for over three weeks, had a history of domestic disputes, according to family members.

Mudzunga’s elder brother, Khathutshelo Ramalata told CV that the family had repeatedly urged her to leave the relationship, but that she remained committed. “We are deeply hurt. No one deserves to be murdered like that. We hope justice will prevail,” he said.

Her body was discovered in bushes along the N1 near Kromdraai in the Free State on January 22, with multiple gunshot wounds.

The police’s investigation led to the arrest of a third suspect, who seemingly misled authorities about the husband’s intentions to flee to Zimbabwe. This suspect, along with Dakalo, has been charged with murder.

Read more: Zim escape: Police hunt for suspect in Limpopo woman’s murder

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the third suspect initially provided false information and conspired with the husband in the crime.

The police seized a licensed firearm believed to be part of the investigation. Another suspect, aged 24, was arrested in Tshamutumbu for possession of two unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the community for their assistance and praised the investigators for their diligent work. “These arrests are a step towards ensuring justice for the victim and her family,” she stated.

The suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear in court in the Free State, where further charges may be added as investigations continue.