The peaceful community of Phadzima in the Nzhelele area was shaken last Friday, when the body of a 22-year-old student was found.

Siloam police discovered the body of Lufuno Mavhunga at her home in the early hours of Friday (17th). According to a police spokesperson, Capt Tharaga, she was brutally murdered. The police have confirmed that the post mortem results show severe wounds to her neck, clearly indicating a deliberate act to kill her.

Tharaga said that they had opened a case of murder and investigations were underway. The motive for her murder were still unknown, said Tharaga.

Lufuno was studying at the Makwarela Campus of the Vhembe FET College in Sibasa. She was staying alone, since her mother was working at Morningside in Gauteng.

Her traumatised mother, Pertunia Mavhunga, said she was totally shocked when she received the news of her daughter’s murder. “I am confused and shocked and do not know what to do. I nearly collapsed. Even today I don't know what to say about my daughter’s death,” she said. “She was a lovely daughter and dedicated to her studies. Justice must now take its course,” she added.

Her furious uncle, Fanuel Muthelo, said he didn’t understand what the world had come to. “People have become inhumane. My lovely niece is gone and I still can’t believe it,” he said.

Lufuno is survived by her 15-month-old son, Zwivhuya Managa, who stays with relatives at present. She will be buried at Phadzima tomorrow (Saturday).