The community of Mahonisi near Elim is still shocked and trying to find answers about the death of a woman whose body was found at the back of her neighbour’s house in the early hours of Good Friday.
A mother of four children, Ms Lizzy Hlunwane (40), was discovered lying dead and stark naked on the hard gravel in her neighbour’s yard. The Waterval police investigated the matter and held the woman’s spouse, Freddy Rikhotso (40), for questioning.

According to the information made available by the deceased’s family and the police, Rikhotso had allegedly confessed to killing Hlunwane in her house on Thursday night. His blood-soaked clothes were found in the room which he had shared with the deceased. Rikhotso had allegedly been wearing the same clothes the previous day, said a family member.

“It seems that the accused had dragged the deceased out of the house and pulled her along the grass to throw her down in the neighbour’s yard to conceal evidence,” said the spokesperson for the Waterval police, W/O Kedibone Mabatha. “She was also found naked.”
A family member who was at the scene of the crime when the police were moving around with Rikhotso,said that he pointed at the place where he had hidden the deceased’s clothes, which were also covered in blood.

The deceased’s mother and the four children she had left behind are traumatised, following the senseless killing of their loved one. “Na vaviseka emoyeni wa mina (I feel distraught),” said the deceased’s eldest daughter, Basani Hlunwane (23). “I’ve just finished writing my Grade12 and I was hoping to see my mother taking me to school, so I could also help my siblings financially. We are now left without a parent.”

The local Sanco branch’s vice-chairperson condemned the killing of the woman. “We are still shocked,” he said. “Women need tender care and total respect. One can’t understand what is happening in Vhembe, because so many women have been murdered by their partners ever since February. We are calling for peace and understanding within our families.”

W/O Mabatha confirmed that a case of murder was opened against Rikhotso, following his arrest. “He appeared in court on Tuesday and he will appear again on 9 May,” he said. “Bail was not granted.”