Death of school child not a ritual killing, say police

Date: 01 August 2003 By: Ndivhuwo Musetha

THOHOYANDOU – A post mortem investigation conducted on the body of what appeared to be the victim of a ritual killing, revealed that this was not the case. There had been no schooling in the areas of Tshaulu, Begwa and Tshifudi since last Sunday, as the community, mainly youths, were protesting against the death of Ndivhuwo Mbedzi (19), who was found hanging in an unoccupied house.

Mbedzi, a school child, was found hanging in one of the three bedrooms of a house belonging to his uncle, last Sunday morning. The house had been unoccupied for a very long time.

Police spokesperson, Capt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, said Mbedzi had reportedly been missing since July 7. His body, which was hanging from the roof, was without the left foot, while the right leg had fallen on the floor.

Mushavhanamadi also confirmed that there had been no schooling in the area, as the children had blocked the Tshidzini road. The children and the community believe that Mbedzi was the victim of a ritual murder.

One police officer, Insp Thizwidivhi (40) Nemushungwi, was admitted to the Vhufulwi Hospital on Wednesday, where he was treated for a knee injury that he sustained after he had been attacked by the protestors who threw stones at him. Mushavhanamadi said 86 youths, who were arrested and charged with public violence and assault on the police, were all released with a warning on Thursday, except Robert Matsilele (23). He is believed to be a ring leader, and is still in custody, as he failed to pay bail of R2 000.

The other suspects will appear in court again on August 15. The situation was reported to be normal in the area, although there was no schooling.

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