Man who faked his death found dead in Thohoyandou holding cell
Azwinndini Richard Mamali was referred to as the 'Thabo Bester of Venda' and was found hanging in his cell after appearing in court on two counts of murder.
LIMPOPO – The body of Azwinndini Richard Mamali, the young man accused of murdering his former partner and another person in faking his own death, was found in the police holding cells in Thohoyandou last week.
Recent weeks have seen communities in Mbaleni and Hamagidi villages refer to Mamali as the ‘Thabo Bester of Venda’, following the death of his former girlfriend.
Days after her death, another body was found in Thathe Vondo Plantation, which was believed to be his as his ID and cellphone were found at the scene, but after DNA results proved otherwise the police called a manhunt and Mamali was discovered in his hiding place in Mokopane.
Read more: Man who faked his own death arrested in Mahwelereng for partner’s murder
His distraught mother, Vhengani Mudzani said her life has not been the same after she was informed that her son had taken his own life. “People should give me and my family space to grieve, this is tough on us.”
Limpopo police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba, said police investigations are underway after a murder suspect apparently committed suicide in the holding cells at the Thohoyandou Police Station on Thursday.
“The body of the 27-year-old Azwindini Richard Mamali was found hanging in his cell at around 05:00. He earlier appeared before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on two counts of murder.”
Ledwaba confirmed that Mamali had been apprehended from his hideout in Mahwelereng on September 19, after he reportedly stabbed his 19-year-old former girlfriend at Ha-Magidi villa on September 3.
The deceased, Ridodzula Mudzanani who is from Mbaleni village reportedly shared two children with Mamali.
It is also believed that Mamali was responsible for the death of the person whose body was found in the plantation.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) attended the scene and is probing the case. The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.
Meanwhile, IPID national spokesperson, Robbie Raburabu said Mamali assisted the police with their investigation.
