Members of the Kutama community are still shocked, following the gruesome murder of a 64-year-old pensioner. The incident happened at Madodonga village last Thursday (29/09) when a 24-year-old man allegedly stabbed his ex-lover´s father, Mr Wilson Neluvhola, to death. Neluvhola was stabbed in the stomach twice and left to die.

According to a spokesperson for the Tshilwavhusiku police, Const Godwin Mahuwa, the incident happened at about 18:40. "The accused allegedly stole a knife at a local supermarket. He then visited the Neluvhola family where he demanded to see his former girlfriend. The deceased, who was watering his vegetable garden at the time, then told Thulare that his daughter was not at home. Thulare then insisted that he wanted to see her, thinking that the old man was just refusing him permission," Const Mahuwa said.

Mahuwa added that Thulare then started arguing with Neluvhola. The argument resulted in a fight, during which the accused allegedly stabbed Neluvhola in the stomach.

According to Mahuwa, Neluvhola was rushed to the nearby Kutama Health Centre, from where he was later transferred to the Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital. From there he was transferred to Tshilidzini Hospital, from where he was then airlifted to the provincial hospital in Polokwane because of the seriousness of his condition. Neluvhola died on arrival at the Polokwane Hospital.

Mahuwa added that a case of murder was opened following the incident.

The family said they were still in shock following the incident. "We still cannot believe that Neluvhola is gone. This is a very bad situation for the family. We are all saddened by his death. He did not deserve to die like this," said the deceased´s brother, George. He added that the family would love to see the accused rotting in jail where he belongs. "We want to see justice done," said George.

Thulare was arrested a day after the incident. He briefly appeared before the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate´s Court and the case was postponed to October 11, pending further investigations. He remains in custody.

From what could be established, Thulare was released from prison shortly before the incident. The police did not disclose the reason for him being in prison.

A traditional leader, Headman Progress Kutama, was very concerned about the incident. He said that he was very disappointed to see domestic squabbles end like this. "It is our responsibility as traditional leaders to love and protect our people. Whoever sees anyone in the community behaving strangely must alert the police immediately," said Kutama.

The deceased´s daughter, Tshililo (27), is apparently now pregnant with the accused´s child. Neluvhola will be laid to rest at a local cemetery in the village tomorrow (Saturday).