TSHAMUTSHEDZI – Nndwamato Edward Mawelewele (56) of Tshamutshedzi Village in the Tshaulu area briefly appeared in the Thohoyandou magistrates’ court on Monday on two counts of murder.

This follows an incident that took place at Tshamutshedzi village on Sunday morning at about 00:30.

According to the spokesperson of the police in the Vhembe Area, Supt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, the suspect’s mother-in-law, Mrs Tshinakaho Tshokoto (63), together with other elders, were engaged in an all-night prayer session at the suspect’s home during the night of the incident.

According to the police statement, it is alleged that the suspect woke up in the middle of the night and proceeded to the room in which her daughter, Azwifaneli Mawelewele (21) was sleeping. He questioned her about the noise that was being caused by the people who were in the night vigil.

The girl told the suspect that it was her grandmother and other elders who were making the noise and then advised her father not to disturb them as they were praying. The statement further indicates that the father then thought that his daughter was taking sides and that she was supporting the “noise makers.”

He then turned against the girl and left the room in which she was sleeping. He later came back, holding a hammer, shovel and a wooden block. He allegedly assaulted the girl with the objects until she died on the spot. He later proceeded to the hut in which his mother-in-law, Tshinakaho Tshokoto, and the group was praying.

After haranguing the old woman about the noise that was caused by the worshipers, the suspect allegedly lost his temper and started assaulting the blind pensioner with the same objects that he used in the killing of his daughter. She also died instantly.

The suspect was arrested the following morning. He appeared in the Thohoyandou magistrate’s court on Monday. The case was postponed to April 19 while the suspect remains in custody.