THE community of Maembeni, outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo, is in shock following the murder of a local mum in broad daylight, and in full view of morning commuters.
The estranged husband of 22-year-old mother of two, Pfunzo Ramadzhiela, allegedly ambushed her early yesterday morning on her way to work and stabbed her to death near a bus stop not far from her workplace.
Pfunzo, a domestic worker, died on the spot.
Her husband allegedly calmly stopped a taxi after the incident and left his bleeding wife to die next to the road.
The dead woman’s sister said the couple’s relationship deteriorated after Pfunzo found out her husband had been cheating on her.
She claimed the man had earlier this year posted a WhatsApp status stating, “Hu do fa muthu nanwaha,” which translates to “Someone is going to die this year.”
“She made the painful decision to pack her things and went home to cool off, but the man could not wait.
“He came to her house last Sunday and demanded the phone he bought for her.
“While she was trying to fetch it from inside the house, he apparently choked her. She has not been able to eat since,” said the sister.
“She leaves behind two young children who have no one to care for them.”
Local chief Rasivhaga Mphalaleni of Maembeni said the incident left her in shock, as she had tried to help resolve the couple’s problems.
“This is a sad day for the village. We have never experienced anything like this,” she said.
Thohoyandou police spokeswoman Constable Avhafarei Tshiovhe confirmed the incident, saying a murder case was opened and cops were expecting to make an arrest soon.
“We urge couples with problems to seek help at government institutions or non-governmental organisations, rather than killing each other.”
