An 18-year-old Makonde ritual murder survivor got a memorable new year’s gift when R8 000 was made available to her trust fund during New Year’s Eve.

Nyelisani Sidimela’s lips were removed and she was discovered lying next to her dead boyfriend, Maanda Sendedza (25), whose private parts and tongue had also been removed, at Makonde-Shadani on October 23. Both of them had gaping wounds to their heads.

Two suspects, Mukondeleli Phosha (54) and Shumani Dzebu (31) had been arrested in connection with the incident and they are presently in police custody. They have been charged with murder and attempted murder after they were allegedly found in possession of the late Maanda Sendedza’s private parts, tongue, cell phone and clothes. Both of them are traditional healers and they have unsuccessfully applied for bail three times.

Towards the end of last year, the South African Council of Churches (SACC), SABC Radio (Phalaphala FM, Munghana Lonene and Thobela FM), NAFCOC, Limpopo Premier’s Office and the Makonde local community launched a trust fund to raise funds for Nyelisani’s medical expenses. Medical experts confirmed that it will cost more than R360 000 to have Nyelisani’s lips replaced during constructive surgery. She is receiving treatment at a Gauteng Hospital.

A major boost to the trust fund came during the New Year eve when the Thohoyandou-based NW Audiovisual and Phalaphala FM hosted the South Africa v/s Zimbabwe Music Ex-travaganza at 2010 centre in Thohoyandou. R8 000 of the proceedings was donated to Nyelisani’s trust fund. NW Audiovisual’s Director, Robert Mphephu said he joined hands with Phalaphala FM after he learnt of Nyelisani’s horrible experience through the media.

“As an emerging company, we felt that we need to do something for the innocent ritual murder victim. We are totally against this act of ritual murder and our donation is part of giving back the little we have to the community. We urge other community members to contribute to the fund so that the poor victim can live a normal life like anyone else…”

During the historic event, top Zimbabwean groups and South African artists battled for supremacy on stage until Sunday morning. The MEC for Arts, Sports and Culture, Mr Joe Maswanganyi, also attended the occasion. The Zimbabwean groups featured were the legendary Jonah Moyo and Devere Ngwena Jazz Band, Michel Jambo & the Marunga Brothers, Nicholas Zacharia & Khiama Boys, Tongai Moyo, Nzherema Boys and R & K African Boys. On the other hand, the South Africans were represented by Chippa and Mzambia, Genesis, Khakhathi & Friends and Venda Reggae King, Colbert Mukwevho.

Meanwhile, the coordinator for Nyelisani’s trust fund, Dean Alunamutwe Rannditsheni, said the public is responding positively to their call. He urged the public to make more financial contributions to the fund and that said the board members will hold a meeting late next week, to evaluate the achievements of the fund and make a public financial statement. The details of the trust fund are as follows: Account Name: South African Council of Churches (SACC) Emergency Relief Trust, Nedbank Account No: 1979410526, Branch Code: 190805. More information about the fund can be obtained from Alunamutwe Rannditsheni (coordinator) at 082 558 3675, Pataki Mautjie (Limpopo SACC Secretary) at 082 852 6282, Victor Ravhuanzwo (SABC Radio) at 082 413 1101.