LIMPOPO – The much-anticipated derby between long-standing rivals Matanda Rockers FC and Rabali Pull Together FC ended in tragedy, leaving one man dead and his brother hospitalised.
The two teams were competing for the championship in their stream of the Safa Vhembe Hollywood Bets league.
The decisive match was held last Saturday at Tshifulanani Stadium, relocated from Rabali Soccer Grounds due to threats of violence from fans.
The previous encounter between the two teams at Rabali had ended in chaos when Rockers’ supporters stormed the pitch, accusing the referee of favouritism.
According to a fan, the recent game ended in a draw, which was sufficient for Pull Together to be crowned champions as they only needed one point.
“After the game, Rabali supporters invaded the pitch and threatened to attack Rockers’ coach with knives, but the coach escaped with his players. That’s when the chaos erupted, and one of Rockers’ fans was stabbed,” he said.
The violence is believed to stem from the previous conflict at Rabali.
The seriously injured fan, later identified as Steward Ramathuthu, was taken to Tshilidzini Hospital.
Last Sunday, Steward’s younger brother, Martin Ramathuthu, from Tshituni Thembaluvhilo village in Nzhelele, went to Ha-Rabali, seemingly seeking revenge. His actions ultimately led to his death.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson WO Vuledzani Dathi reported that an incident occurred at 11:30 after which the police received a call from a concerned community member, reporting that Ramathuthu was breaking windows at the house of another man, and allegedly pointed a gun at the man’s wife.
“When the police arrived, we learned that Ramathuthu had been assaulted by community members. We found him lying on the ground with multiple burn marks. He was still breathing but unable to speak,” Dathi said.
While inspecting the body, community members handed over a firearm, an empty magazine, a knife, and black trousers, claiming these items belonged to the victim. Ramathuthu was taken to Siloam Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Dathi explained that the deceased had visited the home of the person he suspected of stabbing his brother but did not find the right individual.
He then went to another location, where he repeated his aggressive behaviour, pointing a gun at a woman and firing a shot into the air.
“When the woman called for help, community members quickly responded. The suspects have not yet been identified and no arrests have been made,” Dathi added.
Takalani Ramathuthu, the father of the deceased, expressed his devastation over losing one son while the other was fighting for his life.
“I buried their mother just last year. He was a son close to my heart. We hope the law takes its course,” he said.
In the meantime, Rockers’ coach Elelwani Killer Siavhe said he had requested Safa Vhembe to transfer the team to another stream next season.
Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Lerovha Mashudu Fortune at 072 943 5360.
