An elderly retired policeman allegedly shot and killed himself after killing a neighbour at Tshikwarani village in the Masia area on Tuesday morning. Thomas Levhusha Mulaudzi (66) shot and killed Ms Thifhelimbilu Marageni (45) before he turned the fire-arm on himself.

According to police information, Marageni was on her way to Mashaa Primary School, where she cooks for the pupils, when Mulaudzi, her neighbour, shot and killed her on the street.

W/O Elijah Malatjie, spokesperson for the Vuwani SAPS, confirmed the incident. According to him, the incident occurred around 06:00. “Marageni was on her way to work when Mulaudzi followed her and shot her in the chest. She tried to run, but collapsed after a few meters and died,” he said. According to Malatjie, Mulaudzi then went back to his house, locked himself in his bedroom and shot himself.

Malatjie said a case of murder had been opened with the police.

According to Marageni’s sister, Julia Mulaudzi, the man had been accusing his sister of witchcraft. “He first threatened to kill her last year. My sister opened a case at the Vuwani police station, where she was given a protection order, but the man continued threatening her,” she said.

She said the suspect was arrested last year after threatening to kill her sister, but the case was dismissed in the Vuwani Magistrate´s court.

She added that the matter had been discussed at the tribal court, where it was resolved. “We are very frustrated and shocked about my sister’s death. We don’t even know what we are going to do now, because the family does not even have money to bury her,” she appealed.

Other community members allege that the two had been at loggerheads for years.

Marageni is survived by her six children.

The Mulaudzi family also indicated that they did not have money to bury him. The two families had been planning to bury their loved ones tomorrow (Friday).

Those who want to help with funeral arrangements, since both families do not have money to bury their loved ones, can contact a community development worker, Mr Ernest Bamuza, at 073 5952 245.