The grief-stricken Ramanyimi family of Tshilungoma, who recently lost a child at the hands of alleged ritual killers, received a generous donation when concerned members of the community donated some cash to the family.

Thohoyandou-based businessman Mr Sheth Babu, who represented the Venda Muslim Jamaat, a non-profit welfare organization composed of Indian business people, Dean Alunamutwe Rannditsheni, leader of the Lutheran Church in the Devhula Lebowa Circuit, and Mr Bardwell Mufunwaini of Munna Ndi Nnyi Men's Forum donated R1 600.

The trio was accompanied by the local traditional leader, Chief Thikhathali Mphaphuli, and leaders of the local civic structure.

Dean Rannditsheni, who has been very vocal about ritual murders since 2006, spoke on behalf of the visitors. "We have heard of the bad that befell the family and felt that we should lead by example, to come and be with you in this time of your grief. Please know that what you are going through is not for you only; the whole country is in pain. God is still with you and we will be with you till you bury your loved one,” he said.

The local traditional leader, Chief Thikhathali Mphaphuli, also pledged his full support to the family. “We are going to help the family and they will not pay for any service. We are also going to give the communal tent,” he said.

Mr Leonard Ramanyimi, the deceased's father, said he was still shocked and confused. "The death of my first-born child shocked and saddened us as a family. We felt isolated, not knowing what to do, but the local community has been very supportive.”

Little Mutshidzi Ramanyimi (9) went missing at the beginning of the month, only to be found killed on Friday. The alleged murder of the child sparked widespread protests in the community, with members of the community demanding that those suspected of having a hand in the child's murder be evicted and arrested.

On Sunday, the local police had their hands full when angry community members marched to possible suspects' homes and demanded that the suspects be arrested or the community would take the law into their own hands.