A cloud of sadness is hanging around Ha-Matsa village in the Nzhelele area, after a 26-year-old man allegedly killed his 16-year-old lover before hanging himself.

According to the police, it is alleged that Nnditsheni Eric Matambatshika killed Portia Rambau in cold blood before hanging himself. Matambatshika and Rambau were staying together at their family´s RDP house in the village.

The gruesome scene was discovered by Matambatshika´s aunt, Ms Flora Matambatshika, last Thursday, who had visited the family to inform them about the death of Eric Matambatshika´s mother. She was admitted to Siloam hospital and had passed away last Wednesday, June 29.

The police have stated that when the aunt arrived at the RDP house, she knocked on the door, but there was no response. A bad smell was hanging around the house and when she went inside the house, she found a man hanging from the roof. She also discovered the deceased Portia lying dead on a bed in another room.

She said that the incident had really traumatized the whole family. "We were stunned about the untimely death of my sister, who passed away after a short illness in hospital and now is this tragic incident," she said.

Flora added that the family could not afford to bury three people at the same time.

The spokesperson for the Mphephu police, W/O Lazarus Netshidzati, confirmed the incident. He said that the police had opened a case of murder and an inquest docket, following the incident. "We are continuing with investigations to try and found out what might be the cause of the incident. We are appealing to members of the community to continue working with us in the fight against crime," said Netshidzati.

"Although we are still investigating, it looked as if the incident happened a week ago. The two bodies had already started to decompose. We therefore urge members of the community to report domestic violence."

The two bodies were taken to the Tshilidzini Hospital for post mortem examinations.

Matambatshika was out on parole after serving two and half years in jail for chopping a certain resident with an axe.

The secretary of the South African Civic Organization (Sanco) in the village, Mr Josias Muthuli, said that the incident came as a shock to the entire community. "We are very concerned about the spate of killings in the area," he said. Muthuli said that young people should always consult social workers, church organizations, Sanco and other structures when they have problems.

The incident took place three weeks after Mr Given Maduvha allegedly stabbed and killed his ex-lover, Ms Mashudu Khumela, at the nearby Pfumbada Village in the area on Youth Day.

The family had planned to bury their loved ones tomorrow (Saturday). The family is now appealing to anyone who can help them to contact them at 072 8516 457.