DZIMAULI - Thohoyandou police have arrested three people after a traditional healer identified them as suspects in a ritual murder case.

The Police spokesperson, Captain Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, confirmed that they have arrested three people who are suspected of being involved in an alleged ritual murder case after a traditional healer identified them. Mushavhanamadi said they opened an inquest docket after the disappearance of Tshinakaho Tshishonga (66) of Dzimauli on April 4. Her decomposed body was discovered on April 16 in her house after the community broke down her door. The charge was then changed to murder.

A post mortem revealed that Tshishonga had been strangled and attacked with a hard object on her forehead and back. There were no body parts missing.

The community and the traditional leader, Ndivhuwo Rammbuda, then organised for a traditional healer "who came with his mirror" and identified four people who were suspected by the community for the death of Tshishonga. The two investigating officers, D/Insp Milingoni Tshilande and D/Insp Mashudu Netshaulu arrested three suspects on Tuesday evening. The fourth suspect is receiving treatment at the Donald Frazer Hospital.

However, Mushavhanamadi said they would only question the suspects and try to find out if they are really linked to the case. "These people have been suspects before they were identified in the mirror. We only arrested them for questioning as we can't rely on information from a traditional healer," said Mushavhanamadi.