SHAYANDIMA – A resident of Itsani Village, Norman Mudau (29) will spend the next ten years behind bars, after he was found guilty of murder. The case was finalised in the Thohoyandou High Court last Friday.

The case follows an incident that took place at Shayandima Township during the night of April 9, this year. It was testified that during the night of the incident, the deceased, Frankie Tswenu (21) of Shayandima was drinking beer at a local bar lounge. While drinking, an argument ensued between Mudau and Tswenu. The reason for the argument could not be established.

It was found by the court that, during the argument, Mudau had produced a knife and stabbed Mr Tswenu several times in the chest. He was taken to the Tshilidzini Hospital, where he was certified dead on arrival. Mudau was arrested at his home shortly after the incident.

He appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrates’ court several times before the case was transferred to the High Court, where the matter was remanded several times before it was finalised last Friday.

In another incident, where alcohol might have been a contributing factor, the Thohoyandou Police have arrested a 29-year-old man, following the death of a 21-year-old man. The incident took place at Mavhola Village outside Thohoyandou on Sunday morning at about 01:00.

According to the spokesperson of the police in the Vhembe area, Capt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, it is alleged that the deceased, Sipho Nemathithi (21) of Mavhola, and a friend were busy drinking beer at the deceased’s home when the incident occurred.

According to the police statement, an argument ensued between the two over a bottle of beer. The situation took an ugly turn when the two started hitting each other.

The deceased allegedly overpowered his opponent during the fight. Realizing that his younger brother was overpowered, the suspect intervened, siding with his brother.

At that stage, his younger brother was seriously wounded. The suspect allegedly produced a knife and stabbed the deceased several times in the chest. The deceased was taken to the hospital where he was certified dead on arrival.

The suspect’s younger brother was also taken to hospital where his condition was said to be unstable at the time of going to press. The suspect was arrested later that morning. He was still to appear in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s court at the time of going to press.