MAKONDE – “For how long must we brood in silence while our beloved community members are dying like animals? We are tired of these ritual murders and this is the time to stand up and say no to these senseless killings. The community of Makonde will not rest until the killers of this promising soccer star are brought to book in a court of law. This is a man-made death and we will fight on because there is no one who has a license to kill other human beings…”

These are the heartbreaking words from an angry prominent community leader, Marcus Malume, during the emotional funeral service of Maanda Sendedza (25) whose body was found without private parts a fortnight ago. The deceased was buried at the Makonde-Khosani graveyard on Saturday. His missing body parts had not yet been found at the time of his burial.

Maanda’s brutal murder shocked the community and made national headlines for the past two weeks. Next to the body was an 18-year old woman, Nyelisani Sidimela, who is in great pain as her lips were removed. Both the dead man and the surviving woman, believed to be lovers, were found half naked and they had gaping wounds to their heads with blood all over their bodies. Nyelisani is receiving treatment in Gauteng and police described her condition as stable, but serious.

The family representative, Piet Ndou, told the mourners that the family has accepted what has happened although they suffered a terrible blow.

“We are only waiting for the law to take its course. Our child died a horrible and painful death but we hope the police and the community will work hard so that the killers are apprehended…”

Hundreds of mourners wailed and mourned as Maanda’s body was lowered down to his final resting place. As a promising soccer star, his coffin was covered with the red and white flag of his team, Makonde Home Defenders.

On top of his coffin was his no. 11 soccer jersey, shorts and socks.

Speaker after speaker, including Mr Paul Netshilindi, the President of SAFA Northern Province East Region, described Maanda’s death as a painful experience and a great loss to the local community.

“He will always be remembered for his brilliant soccer skills although death robbed us of him when his soccer career was starting to blossom. He is irreplaceable and the soccer fraternity has lost a great soldier who was a tough goal scorer and dedicated to the game. Only God knows why this happened but we seriously condemned this brutal murder,” said Netshilindi.

Thohoyandou police have registered a case of murder and attempted murder in connection with the incident. A 27-year-old man was detained for questioning and later released. No arrests have been made at the time of going to press but police have requested those with information to come forward so that the killers can be apprehended.

Meanwhile, the village headman, Mavu Azwianewi Ravhura, has called upon all villagers to converge at his kraal this Sunday at 07:00 in the morning, to discuss Maanda’s brutal murder.

The Sendedza family would like to pass their sincere gratitude to Lufuno Mphaphuli & Associates, PIB Services, Benjies Discount World, Mulodi Village Supply, La Duu Ma Bakery, Makonde Home Defenders, Tshikosi Bottle Store and Divine Cross Church of God for making Mannda’s funeral possible.