LIMPOPO – The search for a missing man from Tshivhulani Hatshifura village near Tho turn for frustrated community members and the family who took to the streets, barricading the busy road from Sibasa to Mutale and Hamakuya communities by setting tyres and other debris alight.
Azwimpheleli Ramala (39) was last seen by his relatives on August 17, and although he was reported missing and a search ensued, residents felt that police were not doing enough to find him, which led to the protest.
Police have had a challenging job since then, as they had to clean up the streets where rocks had been pelted, and trees and burning tyres placed there to block the road. Classes at nearby schools were also disrupted as some learners joined the march.
Azwimpheleli’s older brother, Mphedziseni Ramala told CV that his brother, who was in poor health, used to live with his aunt but recently came to stay with him, as his aunt was away and no one could take care of him. “He had only been with me for a few days before he disappeared. He also had a chronic medical condition, and I wondered if he was taking his medication, wherever he was.”
On August 28, communities in his village of Tshivhulani Hatshifura organised themselves and marched to the Thohoyandou police station to voice their concern about how police were handling the case. They claimed to have provided the police with some of the names of those suspected to be behind Azwimpheleli’s disappearance.
The protest was suspended after a meeting with the police.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that a search operation is underway by the police in Thohoyandou.
Anyone with information that can assist with the investigation, should contact investigating officer Sergeant Shudufhadzo Sivhaga at 072 424 6288, 015 960 1000, the crime stop number 08600 10111, their nearest police station or the MySAPSApp.
