Little happening in gruesome Hand Case

In the case that is now widely referred to as the Hand Case, little to no progress has been seen.

The 36-year-old Rumbidzai Manyere’s remains have still not been released to her family since her brutal murder in April this year. This, her family has indicated this week, has spurred them to take further action.

Family and friends of Manyere, who attended the court case of her alleged murderer on Monday, told the Zoutpansberger / Limpopo Mirror that they could not wait any longer for the courts and the police. They were planning to go to the Zimbabwean embassy this week to submit their complaint.

Tshikhudo has been accused of Manyere’s murder after his arrest on 5 April at Elti Café in Eltivillas, when he allegedly tried to rob a business by using a severed human arm. The following day, he led the Makhado police to the place where the murdered Manyere’s body was found. Manyere’s right arm, both eyes and her private parts had been cut off. Her body itself was in an advanced state of decomposition.

During his brief court appearance on Monday, several pending cases against him were centralized to the Makhado Magistrate’s Court. This means that Tshikhudo will eventually stand trial on two counts of rape, and single counts of murder, housebreaking and robbery. In one of the rape charges, the victim laid a charge against Tshikhudo after she had recognised his picture that had appeared in several local newspapers after his arrest.

On Monday, the state prosecutor asked for a postponement so that the National Prosecuting Authority’s director can make a decision whether to prosecute Tshikhudo, and if so, when and where he should be prosecuted.

Tshikhudo’s case was postponed until 11 October. He will remain in custody as he was already denied bail during a previous court appearance.

News - Date: 30 August 2013

Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

Email: [email protected]