LIMPOPO – The Matshaya and Guduvheni families are grappling with grief and unanswered questions after the murder of a family member, prophet Ndivhuwo Matshaya, just two weeks after they buried his grandmother, Mashudu Alice Guduvheni.
Mashaya, known as prophet Matshaya of the Power of Light Divine Ministries in Hamakuyadomboni, was shot and killed last Wednesday at approximately 21:30 in Thengwemutangula.
The family spokesperson, Mushaisano Guduvheni, expressed the families’ shock and heartache over the brutal killing of the 26-year-old prophet.
Matshaya had played a key role in organising the funeral for his grandmother, a well-loved traditional attire maker, who was laid to rest on August 17.
“We are in deep mourning. Prophet Matshaya had just buried his grandmother, and now we have to mourn his senseless death.
He was an up-and-coming prophet who often prayed for the sick, and we want the suspects to be arrested and brought to justice,” said Guduvheni.
The murder occurred just days after Matshaya led a successful prayer session called the ‘Friday of Power’ on August 23 in Hamakuyaphaphama village.
Local leader Vhakoma David Madzivhe of Thengwemutangula expressed concern over the rising violence, stating, “We are troubled that someone would be killed elsewhere and then dumped in our village. We demand the suspects be apprehended to explain why this crime occurred here.”
The police in Mutale have opened a murder investigation.
According to acting Vhembe SAPS spokesperson, Warrent Officer Vuledzani Dathi, the 26-year-old prophet was lured by a suspect under the pretext of praying for the suspect’s ill grandmother.
As the prophet travelled to the suspect’s home, the situation took a deadly turn.
The suspect, one of three individuals, pulled a firearm and shot Matshaya dead after forcing him into the passenger seat of his bakkie.
Two passengers seated in the back of the bakkie managed to escape and alert the authorities. The suspect, known to the police, remains at large.
Investigations are ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Captain Tshilande Milingoni Alpheous, at 082 414 9291.
